Yemi Obafemi
The Presidency has strongly refuted claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who alleged that he is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over financial dealings related to Lagos State.
In a statement released by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency dismissed Atiku’s assertions as “unfounded” and part of a troubling trend of relying on social media speculation rather than factual evidence.
The statement reads: “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.”
Onanuga further reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing Nigeria’s pressing national challenges and advancing his administration’s developmental agenda.
