By Momodu Becky
Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has described calls by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for his investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a “political witch-hunt.”
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Atiku’s reaction followed a call by former APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Ntufam Hilliard Eta, urging the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the former Vice President over alleged corruption.
Responding through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku said the renewed calls for an investigation were politically motivated and linked to the growing strength of the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“When an incumbent government begins to feel politically threatened, the institutions of state suddenly become intensely interested in its opponents,” Atiku said.
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He added: “The latest episode is the move to bring former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, under the scrutiny of the EFCC.”
Atiku further recalled that his activities were investigated during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, but no evidence was found to warrant his prosecution.
According to him, nearly two decades have passed since that investigation, during which different administrations have controlled the machinery of the Nigerian state, yet none has found sufficient grounds to prosecute him for corruption.
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The former Vice President maintained that the latest demand for an EFCC probe should therefore be viewed against the backdrop of the emerging political contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The development comes as political parties and opposition figures intensify their activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with Atiku emerging as the ADC’s presidential candidate and the opposition coalition stepping up efforts to challenge the ruling APC.