Eshioromeh Sebastian, Abuja
The Presidency has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to address any issues with the EFCC directly rather than making baseless accusations against the government.
This comes after allegations surfaced that Atiku received funds from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the 2023 electiion through a syndicate, who was today declared wanted by the EFCC.
Atiku had through his media office, denied the claims and accused President Bola Tinubu of masterminding the allegations.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency dismissed Atiku’s counter accusations as “false and diversionary.” The statement noted that the EFCC operates independently and urged Atiku to engage the anti graft agency if he has concerns, rather than dragging the Presidency into “fabricated controversies.”
“The President is focused on governance, not political gossip,” the statement read, criticizing Atiku for “resorting to baseless claims” since his 2023 election loss. It called on the former Vice President to prioritize national unity over “reckless allegations.”
The statement read in part:
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability. The President has neither the time nor the inclination to engage in petty political distractions.
“Atiku’s allegations are infantile and a transparent ploy to deflect from his political setbacks. His repeated attempts to drag the Presidency and now the Lagos State Government into fabricated controversies reveal a desperate bid for attention amid his fading attempt to cobble a coalition.
“Since his defeat in the 2023 presidential election, the former Vice President has failed to rise to the dignified role of an elder statesman. Rather than contributing constructively to the national discourse, he has chosen the path of divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations.
“We urge Atiku Abubakar to redirect his energy toward initiatives that foster unity, economic progress, and democratic stability—qualities Nigeria urgently needs.
“Lastly, the former Vice President should know that the EFCC, as an independent institution, operates within its statutory mandate without external influence. Any insinuation otherwise is a disservice to the agency’s professionalism and the rule of law.”
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