Alleges plot to unseat Lagos governor
Rumours of rift between President, Lagos governor swirl
Tinubu urges Nigerians to join him in prayers as he clocks 73
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly denied allegations linking him to purported financial dealings involving Lagos State funds, describing the claims as a politically motivated smear campaign.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, the Atiku Media Office dismissed reports alleging that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC bribed Atiku after the 2023 presidential election to allow him win Lagos State after the ruling party lost the presidential polls in the state.
Atiku was responding to several explosive allegations about Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his alleged associate Aisha Achimugu, and claims of financial support to him and opposition leader, Peter Obi of abour Party.
Meanwhile as speculation about President Bola Tinubu’s growing dissatisfaction with his protégé, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as apparent signs of a widening rift continues to grow, this is even as President has dedicated his birthday for prayers for the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
The reports during the week have claimed that President Bola Tinubu was “furious” upon learning that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s ally, Aisha Achimugu, may have allegedly funneled funds to opposition figures, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 elections. This is framed as a betrayal, given Tinubu’s role in Sanwo-Olu’s rise to power
Observers noted the governor’s conspicuous political distance in recent weeks, particularly following Tinubu’s intervention to stabilize the Lagos State House of Assembly after its recent leadership crisis. The governor’s lukewarm posture has fueled conjecture about a possible fracture in their once-solid alliance.
However, responding to the allegation, the former vice president through his media aide, claimed that he doesn’t know Sanwo-Olu, describing allegation of his connection to the governor as baseless and illogical.
“The Waziri of Adamawa does not know Governor Sanwo-Olu and has never met him before. The idea that Atiku, who has no connection with Sanwo-Olu, would be involved in a financial transaction with him during the 2023 election is baseless and illogical,” the statement read.
Atiku’s camp dismissed the reports as a calculated scheme to discredit both Governor Sanwo-Olu and opposition figures, including Atiku.
The statement further demanded transparency from the EFCC regarding its purported investigation, asserting the allegations were being weaponized for political purposes.
“Since the EFCC has been drawn into this controversy, we challenge the agency to disclose the outcome of its alleged investigation. The Nigerian public, including Atiku and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, deserve transparency,” the statement added.
Atiku’s media team urged the ruling party to stop what it called a campaign of calumny, warning that such tactics would not deter the opposition from forging ahead with its political agenda.
In an investigation carried out by the Garzet with the headline: Sanwo-Olu in soup as Tinubu uncovers Lagos governor’s paramour Aisha Achimugu secretly delivered cash to Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, the report was expanded into how Ms Achimugu supported the opposition after the 2023 elections after she was identified as a key smurfer for Mr Sanwo-Olu.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s alleged involvement in the temporary removal of Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the installation of Hon. Mojeed Sabur Oluomo (Meranda) as interim Speaker sparked a political storm in Lagos in recent weeks.
The sudden shift, seen as a bold move by Sanwo-Olu, suggests a possible attempt to assert his independence from the influence of President Bola Tinubu. The removal of Obasa who was replaced by Meranda, as Deputy Speaker, has exposed some level of rebellious within the APC camp in Lagos, allegedly spearheaded by the government of the state.
The move has drawn mixed reactions, with some interpreting it as Sanwo-Olu’s effort to consolidate his authority ahead of future political calculations, including the 2027 elections. However, others view it as a risky gamble that could strain his relationship with Tinubu, who played a pivotal role in Sanwo-Olu’s rise to power.
“It signals a potential realignment in the state’s political structure and one that will consume the plotters.
Those who towed the same part in the past, had their fingers burnt”, said an APC stalwart who spoke with Spear News in confidenc.
The Presidency is reportedly displeased with the development, seeing Obasa’s removal as disrespect to the President who has played the father role and accommodate all irrespective of their political affiliation.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s political career, according to the report, might be on the rocks after President Bola Tinubu received information that the Lagos governor has allegedly piped public funds to arch-opponents of the ruling party.
The report, said Tinubu immediately saw betrayal after a security report indicated to the president that anti-graft agents found funds from Mr Sanwo-Olu’s ally Aisha Achimugu had somehow reached Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, the powerful leaders of Nigeria’s two main opposition groups.
The report by Gazette was expanded into how Ms Achimugu might have funded Messrs Obi and Abubakar around the 2023 elections after she was identified as a key smurfer for Mr Sanwo-Olu.
“The agents didn’t stop at identifying how the woman was helping the Lagos governor move money abroad; they also tried to understand how she might have moved money within the country,” an official said. “That was how they found she delivered some money to two opposition leaders after the presidential election”, report said.
Officials said Ms Achimugu might have distributed the money after the presidential election as part of a compromise to aid Mr Sanwo-Olu’s reelection after APC lost during the presidential election.
According to the report, the president hears everything and sees all, as informants constantly supply him with whatever details he desires.
Join me in prayers, Tinubu urges Nigerians
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will celebrate his 73rd birthday on Saturday with a special prayer session at the Abuja National Mosque today, Friday.
The event, coming during the holy month of Ramadan and two months before his administration’s second anniversary, will focus on national unity and divine guidance for Nigeria’s progress.
“I am deeply thankful to Allah for the gift of life and the privilege to serve this great nation,” President Tinubu said in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. “As I mark another birthday and look forward to our second anniversary, my heart is filled with Renewed Hope for Nigeria.”
The President invited all Nigerians to join in spiritual reflection, urging citizens to “pray for divine guidance, unity, and healing for our land.” He emphasized that collective prayer remains vital for national harmony, stating: “Together, we shall overcome challenges and build a nation where every citizen thrives.”
The birthday prayer session reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to seeking divine wisdom in governance. He reassured Nigerians of his administration’s focus on economic reforms, security, and national cohesion, declaring: “I encourage citizens to remain steadfast in believing in Nigeria’s destiny as a beacon of hope in Africa.”
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