The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a calculated attempt to distort facts and discredit vital national institutions.

Recall that Atiku, while reacting to the detention of former Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal, claimed that the anti-graft Agency is being weaponised by the Presidency to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, stated that Atiku was now undermining the very institutions he once professed to support while in office.

According to the APC, President Bola Tinubu remains unwavering in his commitment to the rule of law and has never interfered in the statutory duties of anti-corruption agencies.

“The EFCC operates as an independent institution without political interference or bias,” the statement read.

Oladejo also accused the former Vice President of hypocrisy, alleging that he was now undermining the very institutions he once professed to support while in office.

“The APC has no influence over the EFCC’s operations. The Commission continues to carry out its constitutional mandate of investigating and prosecuting financial crimes without fear or favour, regardless of political affiliation.

“It is regrettable that a former Vice President who once paraded himself as an anti-corruption advocate is now attempting to tarnish the image of institutions working to sanitise Nigeria’s political and economic systems.

“The EFCC is not a political weapon; it is a statutory body acting strictly on credible intelligence and evidence. Those with clean hands have no reason to be afraid,” Oladejo stated.

The party urged Atiku Abubakar to clarify unresolved issues surrounding his public record, rather than peddling unfounded conspiracy theories.

“We advise Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to focus on clearing the many unanswered questions surrounding his own public record, especially as Nigerians continue to demand accountability from past leaders,” Oladejo said.

Reiterating its confidence in future elections, the APC maintained that it does not use illicit methods to win at the polls.

It dismissed Atiku’s comments as political grandstanding, urging Nigerians to disregard what it described as “Atiku’s outburst” and to rally behind ongoing efforts to combat corruption and foster national prosperity.

“Let it be known that the APC is not intimidated by the opposition, nor does it require underhanded tactics to win elections. Our party continues to enjoy the confidence of the Nigerian people through purposeful governance, infrastructural development, and social investment under President Tinubu.

“In a democratic setting, law enforcement agencies must be allowed to do their jobs without interference or blackmail. Atiku’s outburst is an unfortunate reflection of a politician still reeling from repeated electoral defeats and seeking relevance through sensationalism.

“We urge Nigerians to ignore this baseless allegation and continue to support the ongoing efforts to build a safer, more prosperous, and corruption-free nation,” Oladejo added.