The Presidency has described as baseless and misleading recent claims by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alleging that he is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over financial transactions linked to Lagos State government.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency dismissed the allegations as a “desperate attempt” by Atiku to remain politically relevant through unfounded accusations and social media gossip.
“These claims, circulated through his media office, are false and reflect a troubling pattern of relying on social media gossip over substance,” the statement read.
Atiku, who contested and lost the 2023 presidential election, had reportedly claimed that the EFCC was probing him in connection with financial activities involving Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
But, the Presidency described the assertions as “infantile” and a “transparent ploy to deflect from his political setbacks.”
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability.
“He has neither the time nor the inclination to engage in petty political distractions,” Onanuga stated.
The statement further accused the former Vice President of refusing to embrace the role of a statesman since his electoral defeat, instead choosing to stoke division with “unfounded accusations and unproductive rhetoric.”
The Presidency also reiterated the independence of the EFCC, warning that any suggestion of external influence on the anti-graft agency was not only false but damaging to its credibility.
“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 statement noted.
Onanuga urged Atiku to channel his energy toward constructive contributions that promote unity, economic development, and democratic stability, adding that such values are what Nigeria needs most at this time.
