ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian presidency has dismissed claims made by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar regarding an alleged investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into his financial dealings involving Lagos State.
On Thursday, March 27, 2025, Abubakar’s media office issued a statement denying reports that he received campaign funds from Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu through a proxy during the 2023 election campaign.
The media office further requested that the EFCC publicly disclose any findings related to the alleged matter.
However, in a response issued on Friday, March 28, 2025, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, described the allegations as “false” and accused Abubakar of spreading “unfounded” claims.
Onanuga criticised the former vice-president for relying on “social media gossip” rather than substantiated facts, labelling the accusations as part of a troubling pattern.
“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,” Onanuga said in the statement.
“These claims, circulated through his media office, are false and reflect a troubling pattern of relying on social media gossip over substance.”
Onanuga suggested that Abubakar’s comments were politically motivated and aimed at keeping himself relevant amid political setbacks.
He stated that President Tinubu is focused on addressing Nigeria’s critical national issues and would not be distracted by what he referred to as “petty political distractions.”
“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,” Onanuga remarked.
The Special Adviser also noted that, since his loss in the 2023 presidential race, Abubakar has failed to rise to a role befitting an elder statesman, instead opting for divisive rhetoric and baseless accusations.
Onanuga emphasised that the EFCC, as an independent body, operates within its legal framework without any external influence, and any suggestion otherwise undermines the agency’s professionalism.
“Rather than contributing constructively to the national discourse, [Abubakar] has chosen the path of divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations,” Onanuga added.
He concluded by advising Atiku to redirect his efforts towards initiatives that promote unity, economic development, and democratic stability in Nigeria.
