Atiku Vs Presidency: A Heated Exchange Over EFCC Allegations

Presidency Fires Back at Atiku Over EFCC Claims

Listen, here's the deal. The Presidency isn't taking it lying down when it comes to Atiku Abubakar's latest allegations. The former Vice President, who's the PDP's 2023 presidential candidate, claimed that the EFCC was investigating him over some financial transactions linked to the Lagos State government. But the Presidency is calling foul on this one, and they're not holding back.

According to Naija News, Atiku alleged that the EFCC was looking into financial dealings involving none other than Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. But the Presidency, through Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, is having none of it. In a statement on Friday, March 28, 2025, Onanuga labeled Atiku's claims as baseless and misleading. He went on to say that it's all part of Atiku's desperate bid to stay politically relevant by tossing out unfounded accusations and spreading social media gossip.

Presidency Accuses Atiku of Stirring Up Trouble

Here's the kicker: the Presidency isn't just dismissing Atiku's claims—they're accusing him of refusing to act like a statesman since his defeat in the 2023 election. Instead of stepping up and contributing positively to the national discourse, they say Atiku has chosen to spread division with unproductive rhetoric and baseless accusations. That's some serious shade being thrown right there.

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Onanuga emphasized that the EFCC operates independently, sticking strictly to its statutory mandate without any external influence. He added that President Bola Tinubu remains laser-focused on tackling critical national challenges and pushing forward his administration's agenda for Nigeria's growth and stability. So, the Presidency isn't about to get dragged into what they see as petty political distractions.

Presidency's Statement: A Strong Rebuke

In the official statement, the Presidency laid it all out. They said, "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." They're not mincing words here. The Presidency finds these claims to be false and indicative of a worrying trend where Atiku relies on social media gossip instead of substance.

It's disheartening, they say, that someone of Atiku's stature would give credibility to baseless social media speculation just to stay politically relevant. The Presidency reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is all about addressing the nation's pressing issues and advancing the administration's agenda for Nigeria's growth and stability. They've got no time for what they call "petty political distractions."

The Presidency also called out Atiku's behavior since his 2023 election defeat. They say he hasn't risen to the dignified role of an elder statesman. Instead, he's opted for divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations. They urge him to redirect his energy toward fostering unity, economic progress, and democratic stability—things Nigeria desperately needs right now.

EFCC: An Independent Institution

Lastly, the Presidency reminded everyone that the EFCC operates independently within its statutory mandate, free from external influence. Any suggestion otherwise, they say, is a disservice to the agency's professionalism and the rule of law. The Presidency remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and national development—priorities that require their undivided attention.

So, there you have it. A heated back-and-forth between the Presidency and Atiku Abubakar. It's shaping up to be a story worth watching as both sides continue to make their case in the public arena.

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