The Presidency has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of playing desperate politics by making false claims about an alleged Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation involving Lagos State.
The response was issued in a statement on Friday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
Atiku had earlier, through his media office, denied reports suggesting that Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu funded his 2023 presidential campaign.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, and titled “Halt This Tinubu’s Voyage of Misadventure and Campaign of Calumny Against Atiku Abubakar,” the Atiku Media Office dismissed claims that funds allegedly belonging to Lagos State were given to the former Vice President through Ms. Aisha Achimugu.
Ibe stated, “It may interest Nigerians to note that the Waziri of Adamawa does not know Governor Sanwo-Olu and has never met him before.”
Describing the allegations as “kindergarten propaganda” from President Tinubu’s camp, Ibe further questioned the logic behind the claims: “How is it possible for an Atiku who does not know and has no connection with Sanwo-Olu to be involved in a financial transaction with him—let alone during the 2023 presidential election in which Sanwo-Olu’s boss was a contestant?”
Reacting to Atiku’s rebuttal, the Presidency dismissed his claims as baseless, stating that they were part of a pattern of misinformation.
“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.”
The statement added, “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.”
According to the statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on national development and has no interest in engaging in political distractions.
“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.”
The Presidency further described Atiku’s allegations as “infantile” and an attempt to deflect from his political failures.
“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 Presidency claimed that Atiku had failed to take on the role of an elder statesman, instead choosing to spread divisive rhetoric.
“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.
“The Presidency remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of national development—priorities that demand our undivided attention,” the statement further said.
