Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rejected allegations made against him by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, insisting the accusations lack credible evidence. The response came through a statement issued on Monday, June 8, by Atiku's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described as the former vice president's final reaction to Lawal's comments during a recent television appearance.
What Evidence Backs Babachir's Claims?
Shaibu argued that despite making serious accusations during the interview, Lawal failed to provide material proof. The statement noted that allegations concerning the party's primary election were not accompanied by documents, witness accounts, recordings, or other verifiable evidence. 'Mr. Lawal spent nearly an hour making grave accusations about the conduct of the ADC presidential primary. Yet he failed to produce a single piece of verifiable evidence. No document. No petition. No result sheet. No witness statement. No recording. Nothing,' the statement read. Atiku's camp maintained that public allegations must be supported by proof, especially regarding electoral processes and political figures.
Was Personal Disappointment Behind Criticism?
The former vice president's aide suggested that Lawal's position may have been influenced by his support for another aspirant during the primary contest. According to the statement, Lawal openly backed a rival candidate before the exercise concluded and became critical only after his preferred aspirant failed to emerge victorious. Shaibu further challenged contradictions in Lawal's remarks about Atiku's political influence, arguing that Lawal portrayed Atiku as politically irrelevant while simultaneously accusing him of orchestrating a far-reaching conspiracy capable of influencing party members nationwide.
Why Atiku Camp Calls Allegations Flawed
The statement also referenced Lawal's comments regarding his relationship with President Bola Tinubu, saying Nigerians could form their own conclusions. Shaibu defended Atiku's political record, citing his involvement in economic reforms, telecommunications liberalisation, private sector growth, and education initiatives over several decades. Concluding the response, Atiku's camp maintained that the allegations remained unproven and insisted that public opinion should be guided by evidence rather than speculation. 'The facts remain unchanged. The truth remains intact. And no amount of bitterness can alter either,' the statement said.
In a previous report, Atiku criticised Lawal over comments he described as divisive and rooted in ethnic prejudice. Atiku said recent public remarks reflected a troubling attempt to frame political disagreements through an ethnic lens rather than engage in factual debate, risking deeper divisions at a time when the country requires greater unity.
