Atiku raises alarm over suspicious payment to his private bank account

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has raised concerns over a suspicious payment made into one of his private bank accounts by an unknown individual.

In a statement issued by his senior special assistant on public communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice-president said the transfer—labelled “Contribution Electioneering Campaign”—was neither requested nor authorised by him or his campaign.

“The transfer originated from a person totally unknown to His Excellency,” the statement reads. “Neither His Excellency nor his campaign solicited, authorised or has any knowledge of the individual or entity behind the unauthorised payment.”

Atiku described the situation as “deeply troubling,” noting that the account involved is strictly private and not publicly known.

“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?” he asked.

He warned that if his financial information could be accessed in such a manner, it raises broader concerns about the safety of Nigerians’ personal banking data.

“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 said.

Atiku also suggested the possibility that individuals with privileged access may have obtained the account details, warning that such exposure could put account holders at risk from 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,” the statement added.

He further described the incident as part of a pattern of “suspicious activities” ahead of the 2027 general election but insisted it would not derail his political ambitions.

“As political activities gather momentum, Nigerians should not be distracted by these tired tactics that smack of character assassination,” he said.