Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed calls for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate him over alleged corruption.
Atiku, through his media aide, Paul Ibe, described the demand as a political witch-hunt, arguing that the renewed calls for an investigation were politically motivated.
The reaction followed a call by former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman for the South-South, Ntufam Hilliard Eta, urging the EFCC and other relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute Atiku over corruption allegations.
Responding to the development, Atiku argued that state institutions often come under renewed scrutiny of opposition figures when an incumbent administration begins to feel threatened politically.
He said the latest development was an attempt to place him under EFCC scrutiny because of his growing political opposition to the government.
Atiku also referred to investigations conducted during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, claiming that the process did not produce sufficient evidence to warrant his prosecution.
The former vice president further argued that nearly two decades had passed since that period, during which different administrations had controlled Nigeria’s government institutions, yet none had prosecuted him for corruption.
His comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election, where Atiku is expected to be one of the major opposition contenders.
The allegations against Atiku remain the subject of political claims and calls for investigation. The material provided does not establish that he has been found guilty of corruption.
