The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed allegations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that he is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial dealings involving Lagos State. The Presidency, through Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, labeled the claims as baseless and politically motivated, accusing Atiku of relying on social media speculation to maintain relevance.
The controversy stems from media reports suggesting Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu transferred state funds to Atiku via a third party. Atiku’s media office refuted these allegations, calling them a “blatant lie” and part of a broader political strategy to discredit both Atiku and Sanwo-Olu. They further alleged that the claims aim to remove Sanwo-Olu from office and weaken the opposition coalition.
The Presidency countered by asserting that Atiku’s accusations are a diversion from his political struggles following his defeat in the 2023 presidential election. It emphasized the EFCC’s independence and professionalism, rejecting any insinuation of external influence.
This political clash highlights the intensifying maneuvering in Nigeria’s political landscape, as Atiku reportedly works to strengthen opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The dispute underscores the challenges of navigating political rivalries in one of Africa’s largest democracies.
