The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised calls for his investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the move as an attempt at political persecution.
The former vice president made his position known through his media aide, Paul Ibe, following a demand by former APC South-South National Vice Chairman, Ntufam Hilliard Eta.
Eta had called on the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute Atiku over allegations of corruption.
Atiku rejected the demand, arguing that the timing of the renewed calls suggested political motives.
According to the former vice president, state institutions tend to become more interested in opposition politicians when those politicians begin posing a political challenge to an incumbent government.
He specifically pointed to what he described as the latest effort to place him under EFCC scrutiny as an example of such conduct.
Atiku also recalled the investigation he faced during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He maintained that despite the investigation, no evidence was established that led to his prosecution.
The ADC candidate further argued that successive administrations had controlled the country’s institutions since then, but none had considered it necessary to prosecute him for corruption.
The controversy comes as Nigeria’s political landscape begins to heat up ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and political figures stepping up their campaigns and alliances.
Atiku’s response represents his position on the allegations and calls for investigation. The claims against him have not been established as criminal findings in the information provided.
