Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly rejected claims that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, provided him with funds during the 2023 presidential election, calling the accusations part of a politically motivated smear campaign.
In a statement released on Thursday, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, dismissed the reports as “blatant lies” and “contrived political propaganda” aimed at tarnishing Atiku’s reputation.
The statement read, “The Waziri of Adamawa does not know Governor Sanwo-Olu and has never met him before.
The idea that Atiku, who has no connection with Sanwo-Olu, would be involved in a financial transaction with him during the 2023 election is baseless and illogical.
Atiku’s camp further alleged that the claims were part of a broader political strategy to undermine both the opposition and Governor Sanwo-Olu.
The statement also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to publicly disclose the findings of its alleged investigation into the matter, demanding transparency for the sake of the Nigerian public.
“Since the EFCC has been drawn into this controversy, we challenge the agency to disclose the outcome of its alleged investigation.
The Nigerian public, including Atiku and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, deserve transparency,” the statement added.
Atiku’s media team also called for an end to what it described as a “campaign of calumny,” asserting that such tactics would not deter the opposition from advancing its political agenda.