Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly dismissed allegations that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through businesswoman Aisha Achimugu, provided him with funds allegedly belonging to the state.
In a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the claims as a blatant lie from the pit of hell, labeling them as a politically motivated attack orchestrated to serve the interests of President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku’s Response: “A Kindergarten Propaganda”
Ibe refuted the allegations, emphasizing that Atiku has never met or had any dealings with Governor Sanwo-Olu.
“This piece of kindergarten propaganda is beneath the camp of Tinubu. How is it possible for Atiku, who does not know and has no connection with Sanwo-Olu, to be involved in a financial transaction with him—especially during the 2023 presidential election in which Tinubu was a contestant? To what end would that be?” Ibe questioned.
A Plot to Discredit the Opposition?
The statement further suggested that the allegations are part of a larger political strategy aimed at:
1. Undermining Governor Sanwo-Olu
2. Discrediting opposition alliances forming ahead of the 2027 elections
“Their strategy is two-fold: to get rid of Sanwo-Olu and to discredit the coalition being put together by opposition political leaders, of which Atiku Abubakar is a key stakeholder,” Ibe alleged.
Challenge to EFCC: “Make Your Findings Public”
With reports suggesting that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may be investigating the matter, Ibe challenged the agency to make public any findings, stating that Atiku has nothing to hide.
“Since the EFCC has been dragged into this political arena, we challenge the anti-corruption agency to make public the outcome of its alleged investigation.”
No Official Response from Sanwo-Olu or EFCC
As political tensions rise and speculation grows over rifts within the ruling party, neither the Lagos State Government nor the EFCC has issued an official statement on the matter.
Atiku’s media office called for an immediate halt to what it termed a smear campaign against opposition figures.
“This voyage of misadventure and campaign of calumny against Atiku Abubakar must be
halted immediately and with alacrity.”
