EFCC Probe: ‘Your Claims Are Baseless, Distracting’ – Presidency Fires Atiku

The presidency has slammed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, regarding claims that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating him over financial transactions linked to the Lagos State government.

Naija News reports that Atiku had claimed that the EFCC was probing him concerning financial activities involving Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Friday, March 28, 2025, described the claim as baseless and misleading, stressing it is a desperate attempt by Atiku to remain politically relevant through unfounded accusations and social media gossip.

The presidency accused Atiku of refusing to embrace the role of a statesman since his defeat in the 2023 election but chose to stoke division with unfounded accusations and unproductive rhetoric.

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Onanuga said Atiku should know that EFCC, as an independent institution, operates within its statutory mandate without external influence, adding that President Bola Tinubu remains focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability.

The statement reads, “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.

“These claims, circulated through his media office, are false and reflect 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 to remain politically relevant.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability. The President has neither the time nor the inclination to engage in petty 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 attempt to cobble a coalition.

“Since his defeat in the 2023 presidential election, the former Vice President has failed to rise to the dignified role of an elder statesman. Rather than contributing constructively to the national discourse, he has chosen the path of divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations.

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

“Lastly, the former Vice President should know that the EFCC, as an independent institution, operates within its statutory mandate without external influence. Any insinuation otherwise is a disservice to the agency’s professionalism and the rule of law.

“The Presidency remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of national development—priorities that demand our undivided attention.”