Atiku Abubakar Denies Ties With Lagos Governor Amidst Political Allegations

Atiku's Camp Rejects Claims of Connection to Sanwo-Olu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's camp has categorically dismissed any suggestion of a relationship between the seasoned politician and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, signed by Paul Ibe, Atiku's media team emphasized that the former vice president has never even met the governor. The clarification comes amidst swirling rumors suggesting a financial link between the two figures in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential elections.

Naija News learned that Ibe addressed these claims head-on, refuting allegations that Sanwo-Olu, allegedly through Ms. Aisha Achimugu, provided Atiku with funds linked to Lagos State resources. Atiku himself labeled these accusations as a low blow—a calculated smear campaign orchestrated by President Bola Tinubu's camp. The narrative, according to Atiku, is nothing more than an attempt to tarnish his reputation and bolster Tinubu's political agenda.

This isn't just idle chatter; it's a deliberate effort to discredit Atiku and strengthen Tinubu's grip on power. The statement issued by Atiku’s camp makes it crystal clear that these allegations are baseless and politically motivated.

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“We at Atiku Media Office have taken note of reports in a section of the media that the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu through Ms Aisha Achimugu made available to His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007 money purportedly belonging to Lagos State. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is also credited with investigating the matter.

“Let it be known, that this is a blatant lie from the pit of hell; a contrived political hogwash, and a futile campaign of calumny aimed at advancing the political interests of President Bola A. Tinubu.

“It may interest Nigerians to note that the Waziri of Adamawa does not know Gov. Sanwo-Olu and indeed has never met him before.

“This piece of kindergarten propaganda is beneath the camp of Tinubu. How is it possible for an Atiku that does not know and had no connection with Sanwo-Olu to be having a transaction with him involving the exchange of money – let alone during the Presidential election of 2023 in which his boss was a contestant? To what end would that be?”

Sanwo-Olu's Rift With Tinubu's Inner Circle

The statement also sheds light on the strained relationship between Governor Sanwo-Olu and some key players in the Tinubu camp. It suggests that the allegations against Atiku are part of a broader strategy to undermine Sanwo-Olu and diminish the growing coalition Atiku is assembling. This coalition, as Atiku's camp points out, includes influential opposition leaders working to reshape Nigeria's political landscape.

“We wish to, therefore, state emphatically and for the record that it is a political hatchet job aimed at providing a much-needed justification to jettison Governor Sanwo-Olu, who appears to have fallen out of favor with the ‘Bourdillon Cult.’

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Indeed, their strategy is two-fold: get rid of Sanwo-Olu and to discredit the coalition being put together by the opposition political leaders, of which Atiku Abubakar is a key stakeholder.

To even underscore how poor the propaganda is, an unnamed Sanwo-Olu’s aide is quoted in the news story trashing his principal and adding fuel to the fire. Pray, who does that?” the statement added.

A Call for Transparency from the EFCC

Paul Ibe urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to act with integrity and transparency in addressing these allegations. He challenged the anti-corruption agency to release its findings publicly, ensuring that all Nigerians, including Atiku and other key political figures, are fully informed.

“Since the EFCC has been dragged into the arena of politics and propaganda, we challenge the anti-corruption agency to make public the outcome of its alleged investigation.

“Finally, it is not just the President that is entitled to that information but the generality of the Nigerian public, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Presidential flag bearer in the 2023 election, Peter Obi.

“This voyage of misadventure and campaign of calumny against the person and reputation of Atiku Abubakar must be halted immediately and with alacrity too,” the statement concluded.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the stakes remain high, and the call for accountability and transparency has never been more urgent.