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The Presidency has refuted claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding an alleged investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into financial dealings involving Lagos State, reportedly targeted at him.
In a statement issued on Friday, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Atiku’s assertions as baseless and an attempt to distract the public.
“The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to the unfounded allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who claims to be the subject of an EFCC investigation regarding unsubstantiated financial dealings involving Lagos State,” Onanuga said.
“These claims, circulated through his media office, are false and reflect a troubling pattern of relying on social media gossip over substance. It is disheartening that a politician of Atiku’s stature would lend credibility to baseless social media speculation to remain politically relevant.”
The Presidency emphasized that Tinubu remains focused on governance and national development rather than engaging in political controversies.
“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.”
Onanuga also criticized Atiku’s political approach, describing his allegations as an attempt to divert attention from his own political struggles.
“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.”
The statement urged Atiku to focus on efforts that promote national unity and economic progress.
“We urge Atiku Abubakar to redirect his energy toward initiatives that foster unity, economic progress, and democratic stability—qualities Nigeria urgently needs.”
The Presidency also reaffirmed the EFCC’s independence, dismissing any suggestion of external interference in its operations.
“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 statement reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and national development.
“The Presidency remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of national development—priorities that demand our undivided attention.”
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