The presidency criticized the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku AboubacarThe statement that the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) is investigating financial transactions related to the Lagos State Government.
Naija News Atiku reportedly claimed that the EFCC was exploring his financial activities involving Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
However, in a statement on Friday, March 28, 2025, the president’s Special Adviser for Information and Strategy described the claim as unfounded and misleading, stressing that it was Atiku’s desperate efforts to remain politically relevant through baseless accusations and social media gossip.
The Presidential Palace accused Atiku of refusing to accept the role of politicians since his defeat in the 2023 election, but chose to divide Stoke with baseless accusations and ineffective remarks.
Onanuga said Atiku should be aware that, as an independent body, the EFCC operates under its statutory mandate without external influence, adding that President Bola Tinubu remains focused on addressing key national challenges and advancing his government’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability.
The statement reads, “The attention at the presidential palace has drawn unfounded charges by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who claimed to be the subject of an EFCC investigation involving unestablished financial transactions in Lagos state.
“These claims circulating through his media office are false and reflect an unsettling pattern of relying on social media gossip. It’s frustrating that politicians with Attiku’s body will provide credibility for unfounded social media speculation to keep it politically relevant.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing the important national challenges of Nigeria’s growth and stability and advancing the agenda of its government.
“Atiku’s allegations are infants, transparent strategies that can deviate from his political setbacks. He repeatedly tried to delay the presidency and now the Lagos state government is trapped in fabricated controversy, which shows his desperate attention in his stupid efforts to bid urgently.
“Since the defeat in the 2023 presidential election, the former vice president has failed to play the dignity role of an old politician. Rather than making a constructive contribution to national discourse, he has chosen the path of separatist rhetoric and unfounded allegations.
“We urge Atiku Abubakar to redirect his energy to initiatives that promote unity, economic progress and democratic stability, which Nigeria urgently needs.
“Finally, the former Vice President should know that, as an independent institution, the EFCC operates under its statutory mandate without external influence. Otherwise any hint is a detriment to the professionalism and rule of law of the institution.
“The President remains committed to transparency, accountability and pursuit of national development – a strength that requires us to focus on.”
