Atiku accuses Tinubu of targeting him, Sanwo-Olu in political witch-hunt

The media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly denied allegations that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, funneled state funds to Atiku through businesswoman Aisha Achimugu.

In a statement signed by Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, the claims were dismissed as “a blatant lie from the pit of hell” and a politically motivated smear campaign orchestrated to serve President Bola Tinubu’s interests.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly investigating the alleged financial transaction, but Atiku’s camp insists the accusation is baseless. “It may interest Nigerians to note that the Waziri of Adamawa does not know Governor Sanwo-Olu and has never met him before,” the statement read.

“How is it possible for Atiku to have a transaction with someone he has no connection with, especially during the 2023 presidential election?”

Atiku’s media team further alleged that the accusations are part of a larger plot within Tinubu’s political circle to remove Governor Sanwo-Olu from office and disrupt opposition coalition efforts ahead of future elections.

“This is a political hatchet job aimed at justifying plans to sideline Sanwo-Olu, who appears to have fallen out of favor with the ‘Bourdillon Cult,’” the statement claimed.

Challenging the EFCC, Atiku’s camp called for transparency, urging the anti-corruption agency to publicly disclose the findings of its alleged investigation. “Since the EFCC has been dragged into the arena of politics and propaganda, we challenge the agency to make its findings public,” the statement demanded.

Atiku’s media office warned that the campaign against him must be halted immediately, insisting that both he and Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, deserve access to any relevant investigation details.