The presidency has dismissed a claim by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that he was investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over unsubstantiated financial dealings with the Lagos State government.
Atiku on Thursday debunked reports he collected money from the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his 2023 election campaign.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, the former Vice President described the insinuations as a lie and kindergarten propaganda.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain stressed that he did not know Sanwo-Olu and had never met him before.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, expressed concern that since Atiku’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election, he had failed to rise to the dignified role of an elder statesman.
He argued that the former Vice President had chosen the path of divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations said rather than contributing constructively to the national discourse since he failed in his presidential bid.
He said President Bola Tinubu remained focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability.
The president, according to him, neither had the time nor the inclination to engage in petty political distractions.
Onanuga said: “These claims, circulated through his media office, are false and reflect a troubling pattern of relying on social media gossip over substance.
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“It is disheartening that a politician of Atiku’s stature would lend credibility to baseless social media speculation to remain politically relevant.
“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.
“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.
“The presidency remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of national development – priorities that demand our undivided attention.”
