Presidency Denies Atiku’s Claims of EFCC Investigation, Calls Allegations Baseless

The Presidency has dismissed allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that he is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial dealings involving Lagos State.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, described Atiku’s claims as baseless and a deliberate 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,” the statement read.

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“These claims, circulated through his media office, are false and reflect a troubling pattern of relying on social media gossip rather than verified facts. It is disheartening that a politician of Atiku’s stature would lend credibility to baseless social media speculation to remain politically relevant.”

Mr. Onanuga emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability, stating that the President has no interest in engaging in political distractions.

“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 political influence,” Onanuga added.

He further accused the former Vice President of failing to assume the role of an elder statesman following his defeat in the 2023 presidential election, instead choosing to propagate divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations.

“We urge Atiku Abubakar to redirect his energy toward initiatives that foster unity, economic progress, and democratic stability—qualities that Nigeria urgently needs.”

Onanuga also reaffirmed the independence of the EFCC, stating that the agency operates within its statutory mandate without external influence. “Any insinuation otherwise is a disservice to the agency’s professionalism and the rule of law,” he stated.

The Presidency reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and national development, urging Nigerians to remain focused on the government’s efforts to drive economic growth and stability.