The Presidency has strongly refuted allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who claimed he was under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over purported financial dealings with the Lagos State government.
In a statement issued on Friday, President Bola Tinubu's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Atiku's claims as "unfounded" and a desperate attempt to remain politically relevant. Onanuga stated that these claims, circulated through Atiku's media office, were false and reflected 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," Onanuga said.
The Presidency emphasized that President Tinubu remains focused on tackling pressing national issues and has no time for "petty political distractions." Onanuga called Atiku's allegations "infantile" and a "transparent ploy to deflect from his political setbacks," stating that Atiku's repeated attempts to drag the Presidency and Lagos State Government into fabricated controversies reveal a desperate bid for attention.
Since his loss in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku has been accused of resorting to divisive rhetoric instead of embracing the role of an elder statesman. The Presidency urged him to focus on initiatives that promote national unity, economic growth, and democracy.
Furthermore, the statement reaffirmed the EFCC's independence, rejecting any insinuations of political interference. "The EFCC, as an independent institution, operates within its statutory mandate without external influence. Any suggestion otherwise undermines the agency's professionalism and the rule of law," Onanuga remarked.
The Presidency reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and national development, stating that these priorities remain its main focus.
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