The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed bribery allegations made against him by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing them as “politically motivated” and aimed at influencing the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku claimed the former President’s allegations were designed to tarnish his reputation and provide an “undeserved advantage” to Obasanjo’s preferred candidate.
“The obvious objective is to besmirch my person and confer an advantage on the former President’s kinsman,” Atiku stated. “Nigerians are too discerning to be distracted by stale allegations resurrected for political convenience.”
The ADC leader challenged Obasanjo to be transparent about his political leanings rather than relying on “unverifiable allegations.” He specifically questioned the timing of the claim, noting that it surfaced only after the death of the late former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba.
“If there was evidence of criminal conduct, Nigerians are entitled to ask why no action was taken at the time by a government that wielded the full powers of the state,” Atiku said. He argued that the lack of judicial or official backing for the claims proves they are rooted in personal bitterness.
Atiku linked the continued hostility to his historical opposition to Obasanjo’s “third-term agenda.” He noted that his defense of the Constitution at that time led to landmark legal victories, a period he believes the former President has failed to move past.
Concluding the statement, Atiku urged a shift in focus from “recycled political tales” to the country’s pressing issues, including economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment. “Our focus remains unwavering: offering credible alternatives and working to restore competent leadership to our country,” he said.
