Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that the renewed reference to past allegations against him is a distraction from the economic challenges Nigerians are currently facing.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the return to issues from the Obasanjo era reflects a lack of answers to pressing concerns such as the rising cost of living, food prices, transportation, electricity, education, healthcare and insecurity.
“When those defending the government can no longer explain the difficulties ordinary families face, they turn to old political arguments. This does not address the concerns of Nigerians today,” the statement said.
Atiku noted that the matters being referenced were previously examined by relevant institutions during his time in office.
“These issues went through the EFCC, an administrative panel, the National Assembly and the courts. No court convicted me on these allegations. That is the record,” he said.
He added that anyone with credible evidence should present it through lawful channels.
“Anyone with credible evidence should bring it forward and test it before the law. I have made this point before and I repeat it today,” he stated.
On calls for openness, Atiku said public officials should be open to scrutiny and that institutions must be allowed to operate without interference.
“The EFCC belongs to Nigeria. It should investigate genuine wrongdoing wherever it finds it. State institutions must not be used for political purposes,” he said.
He urged that public discourse be centred on governance and the welfare of citizens.
“You cannot address hunger with old allegations. You cannot restore purchasing power or make life more affordable by revisiting past political disputes. Nigerians deserve answers on the economy and on policies that affect their daily lives,” he said.
Atiku said the 2027 elections would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to assess leaders based on their records and plans for the future.
“In 2027, Nigerians will judge us by our records, the lives they are living and the future we offer them. We remain focused on engaging with the Nigerian people,” the statement added.