A political advocacy group, The Democratic Front (TDF), has criticized former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar following his comments that he is competing against “thieves” in the country’s upcoming general elections.
In a statement signed by Chairman Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary Wale Adedayo, the pro-government group described Mr Atiku’s remarks as improper, arguing that the opposition figure lacked the moral standing to lecture others on integrity given his past exposure to high-profile corruption allegations.
“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s excessive feature in controversial corruption reports is overwhelming and worrisome,” the group said. “It is not befitting of a person seeking to be elected President of Nigeria.”
History of allegations
The group cited several long-standing controversies involving the former vice president, including criticisms of his management of the National Council on Privatization during his tenure under President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007.
The TDF also referenced Mr. Atiku’s mention in a 2005 US bribery investigation involving former American congressman William Jefferson, as well as a 2006 investigation by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over the alleged diversion of public funds from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).
While acknowledging that Mr. Atiku was never convicted in the US case and successfully challenged the EFCC indictment in court, the group maintained that he must address persistent public skepticism before questioning the integrity of rival political figures.
Mr. Atiku, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout his political career, has not yet publicly responded to the group’s statements.
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