Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over a suspicious credit into one of his private bank accounts. He said the incident suggests that unknown persons accessed his confidential banking details and raised fresh concerns about the safety of Nigerians’ financial information. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Atiku denies requesting the payment
According to the statement, an individual unknown to the former vice president transferred money into the account with the narration, “Contribution Electioneering Campaign.” It said neither Atiku nor his campaign requested or approved the payment. The statement also noted that they had no prior knowledge of the transfer.
Introducing the clarification, the statement read:
“Neither His Excellency nor his campaign solicited, authorised or has any knowledge of the individual or entity behind the unauthorised payment.”
Former vice president questions access to private account
Atiku described the circumstances surrounding the transaction as deeply troubling because the account is strictly private. He explained that its details are not available in the public domain, making the source of the information a serious concern.
He questioned how unknown persons obtained the confidential banking details of a private citizen.
“The account is a strictly private one whose details are not in the public domain. This raises a fundamental question: How did unknown persons obtain the confidential banking details of a private citizen?”
Atiku raises concerns over financial privacy
The former vice president said the incident extends beyond his personal experience and raises wider concerns about the protection of Nigerians’ financial privacy. According to him, if someone could access the banking details of a former vice president and presidential candidate, ordinary Nigerians could also face similar risks.
“If the private banking information of a former Vice President and a leading presidential candidate can be accessed and deployed for reasons yet unknown then no Nigerian’s financial privacy is safe.”
He also expressed concern that people with privileged access may have obtained the confidential information.
“Even more disturbing is the suspicion that such confidential information may have been obtained through persons with privileged access.”
Atiku warns of security risks
Atiku warned that any confirmed breach of confidential banking information could expose account holders to serious security threats. He said such a situation could leave people vulnerable to kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, fraudsters and other criminal elements.
“If established, this would amount to a grave abuse of power capable of exposing the account holder to kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, fraudsters and other criminal elements.”
Security agencies notified
The ADC presidential candidate said he had notified security agencies and the Nigerian public about the incident. He described it as one of several suspicious developments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We therefore put the Nigerian public — and the security agencies — on notice about this latest incident in a litany of suspicious activities leading up to next year’s general elections.”
Atiku dismisses alleged smear campaign
Atiku urged Nigerians not to lose focus as political activities gather momentum ahead of the elections. He said attempts to damage his reputation had failed before and would fail again.
“As political activities gather momentum, Nigerians should not be distracted by these tired tactics that smack of character assassination.”
“Such desperate antics have failed before and will fail again.”
He said he remains committed to offering credible leadership and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
“The Waziri Adamawa remains focused on offering Nigerians credible leadership and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges.”
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