Politics
BREAKING: Why Tinubu may not contest 2023 election, Atiku
Just as Tinubu, spoke through Festus Keyamo, the Director General of the All Progressives Presidential Congress Campaign Council (APC-PCC), Atiku, conveyed his position through Danie Bwala, spokesman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council (PDP-PCC).
Emphasising, while appearing on Politics Today, a Channels Television current affairs programme, Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had asserted on Wednesday, that the $460,000 which Tinubu was made to forfeit to US authorities was tax deductibles that should ordinarily accrue to the government.
His words: “These processes are mere presumptions. They found money in his (Tinubu) accounts and they said he needed to come forward. In that affidavit of Kevin Moss, they said they interviewed Mobil and Mobil said this man is a treasurer in Mobil. Mobil said the funds are not for them.
“They confirmed his status not as a criminal but as a respected employee of Mobil. It is in that affidavit. After all the rigamarole trying to find out whether the accounts where the money came from are linked to drugs, they came to the conclusion that the deposits he made — what these bankers called investments — they said he had not paid tax on these interests. That is all. Look at paragraph 38. They said it is tax. They took what belonged to them. They even begged Tinubu not to return. Just allow us take what belongs to us and go. They were begging him. It was not punishment, it was no indictment, it was just forfeiture.”
“The deposits he made there (in banks) were what bankers call investments. He kept the money there and he was getting interests. They (US government) said he had not paid tax on those interests. That is all and guess what? The banks are supposed to deduct the tax from source.
“Out of the 10 accounts, it was only one account – the one in Heritage Bank – that they took $460,000 as tax on interest that he benefited on the investment he made in those accounts. In fact, all the money in Heritage Bank was not taken; they took only $460,000 as tax.”
But in a quick riposte on Thursday on the same programme, Bwala, though acknowledging that there was actually no conviction, because Tinubu took advantage of a provision in the US laws not to contest the forfeiture, the further implication did not absolve him of the criminal taint.
Disclosing the interest of the PDP in the matter, he said, it was important that people like Keyamo, were not allowed to deceive Nigerians, hence the need for the party to join issues, distill facts and reel out the truth on the issue, adding that many of the perspectives the APC spokesman gave on Wednesday, were false.
First, dismissing the issue of timeliness, he said it did not matter whether the incident took place hundred years ago, they must be raised each time Tinubu put himself out for public office, as Nigerians needed to know the full details of the full background of the man angling to lead them.
Hear him: “If you’re vying for a public office, you must be willing to be scrutinised. The reason is that the man who would be President of Nigeria – that’s why they have security vetting – must be somebody that the nation must have an idea of his life from when he started to where he is today, so that he doesn’t become an object of blackmail or national security threat. So, the fact that it happened after 30 years is a non issue.”
He also dismissed the argument that under statute of limitation, the matter could not be raised in Nigeria because it was handled in a foreign land, saying it held no water, adding that money laundering and dealing with narcotics were criminal offences both in the US and Nigeria, adding that the reason why Tinubu escaped conviction and punishment, was because he co-operated with the prosecutor’s offer that the matter should not go to court under the Non Conviction Based Recovery.
He explained: The way they operate, if they want to prosecute you on a crime that investigation suggests that they are going to spend a lot of money and whatever the crime they’re targeting, they may not be able to get the whole of it before the end of the trial, but because, the idea is to recover as fast as possible the proceeds of crime, they now apply the forfeiture proceedings.
“Forfeiture is a civil proceeding, yes, it is not a criminal proceeding, but the elements argued before the civil courts, are elements of crime. It is just the proceeding that is civil, but the procedure upon which the prosecutor would convince the judge that these assets are proceeds of crime, are criminal elements. Yes, Tinubu was indicted, but was he convicted criminally, the answer is no.
“Under Non Conviction Based Recovery, there are three types of pleas. There is a plea of guilt, there is not guilty and there is no contest. If Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the time had decided to contest it, if it went into trial and the elements were proven, it might lead to his prosecution. What most defendants do in the US is that they don’t want a situation in which they would be further exposed. So, they can afford to let go of the assets. That’s why they enter what they call non-contest. What it means is that I’m not guilty, but I’m also not contesting it, so whatever you see, you carry.
“Nigerians must know, it is the moral issue that the nation is confronted by. Somebody who has not denied, but has in fact, co-operated with the government of the US about the proceeds of crime traceable to his account, with three documents, an affidavit setting out the facts and what the prosecutor was setting out to achieve, a verdict, the finding of court, based on the affidavit, which established a probable cause under the relevant laws that those assets that they were seizing were actually proceeds of crime.
“Once that is done, the judge must say that the defendants must be put on notice. Who are the defendants. If you look at that proof of service, which is another document, you’ll see United States of America as plaintiff and Bola Tinubu as the defendant. The owner of that account and the account are like two Siamese twins. Does account number come to court. The owners of the account come to court and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, did not contest. He in fact co-operated. This is why he cannot separate himself.”
Again, dismissing Keyamo’s further argument that forfeiture did not amount to punishment, he countered by saying that anything that rightly belonged to someone, but being forfeited in that manner, was clear punishment. “Why are you forfeiting it? Because investigation proves a link between you and that item and that that item is linked to narcotics. So, narcotics and money laundering are criminal offences,” he said.
Questioning the issues further, he said, Keyamo, who prided himself as a prosecutor, should have told Nigerians how much Tinubu was earning at the time to have such amount in his account, if it was actually not the proceeds of money laundering and narcotics. “How much was Tinubu earning. How much was his salary. Even if you multiplied it with a number of years, the prosecutor would say, is it enough to have that large sum of money in your account?
“For the Nigerian people, the issue is not just about the source of the money, yes, the source is important, but for the Nigerian people, there is still a cloud about drug-related offences and drug-related activities with somebody who wants to be the number one citizen of the country. I tell you why. This idea of drug and narcotics is a terrible thing all over the world. If somebody has that questionable character as a President, it will embolden people who are into those activities. That is why the person has to come out clean.”
Bwala, also reminded Keyamo, that he had not reversed his conclusion on Tinubu presenting a dubious certificate with which he contested elections as a governor, adding that even though the court dismissed the matter because on technical ground, the APC spokesman, had failed to tell Nigerians that those conclusions he made on the certificate case, were now false.
On the argument that his link to the matter was like a director appearing in a case to defend his company, Keyamo, must be reminded the APC spokesman that Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was convicted by the court and ordered to be sent to prison, not because he actually committed the offence directly, but because he was the alter ego of the anti-graft agency, saying it was in the same manner, Tinubu should take responsibility for the money found in the account.
In all he said: “I’m afraid that the conclusion of this case is that from the eyes of the law, especially if you look at the constitutional provisions beside it, Bola may be disqualified from contesting if that matter goes to court. Narcotics and money laundering, whether in America or in Nigeria, is a criminal offence.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over a suspicious credit into one of his private bank accounts, alleging that his confidential banking details may have been compromised.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday and signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
According to the statement, the transfer was made by an individual unknown to the former vice president, with the narration: “Contribution Electioneering Campaign.”
“Neither His Excellency nor his campaign solicited, authorised or has any knowledge of the individual or entity behind the unauthorised payment,” the statement read.
Atiku said the circumstances surrounding the transaction were “deeply troubling,” noting that the account was strictly private and its details were not publicly available.
“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?” the statement added.
He said the alleged access to his banking information raised broader concerns about the protection of Nigerians’ financial privacy.
“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,” Atiku was quoted as saying.
The former vice president also expressed concern that the information may have been obtained through individuals with privileged access.
“Even more disturbing is the suspicion that such confidential information may have been obtained through persons with privileged access,” the statement said.
Atiku warned that any breach of confidential banking information could expose citizens to serious security threats.
“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.
The ADC presidential candidate said security agencies and Nigerians had been notified of the development, describing it as part of a series of suspicious activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We therefore put the Nigerian public — and the security agencies — on notice about this latest incident in a litany of suspicious activities leading up to next year’s general elections,” he said.
Atiku urged Nigerians not to be distracted by what he described as attempts to smear his reputation as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
“As political activities gather momentum, Nigerians should not be distracted by these tired tactics that smack of character assassination,” the statement read.
“Such desperate antics have failed before and will fail again,” he added.
The former vice president maintained that he remained committed to providing what he described as credible leadership and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
“The Waziri Adamawa remains focused on offering Nigerians credible leadership and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges,” the statement said.
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court and vacate the order freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts, citing the need to safeguard public confidence in the democratic process ahead of the state’s governorship election.
In a statement issued by the State House on Thursday, the President said he was not opposed to the EFCC exercising its statutory powers but expressed concern over the timing of the action, noting that Osun is only days away from the August 15 governorship poll.
Tinubu said he was “deeply embarrassed” not by the anti-graft agency’s mandate, but by the decision to freeze the state’s accounts at such a sensitive political period.
The EFCC had obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, as part of an investigation into alleged financial infractions involving the Osun State Government. The commission maintained that its actions were lawful, insisting it could freeze accounts suspected to be linked to financial crimes and seek judicial approval for extended restrictions.
The President, however, said actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to him, regardless of whether he had prior knowledge of them.
He reiterated that since assuming office, he had consistently allowed anti-corruption agencies to operate independently without political interference, stressing that strong democratic institutions were essential to the rule of law.
Despite this position, Tinubu said the proximity of the Osun governorship election made the timing of the EFCC’s action inappropriate and required his intervention to prevent any perception that federal agencies were being used to influence the electoral process.
According to him, although he had not been fully briefed on the facts behind the investigation, the overriding public interest demanded that confidence in the integrity and fairness of the election be protected.
The President subsequently directed the EFCC to immediately return to court, vacate the freezing order and discontinue the action against the Osun State Government.
The development follows a dispute between the Osun State Government and the EFCC over allegations of financial misconduct. The state government has denied claims of misappropriating ₦11 billion and accused the commission of attempting to justify its decision to freeze the accounts, while the EFCC insists its investigation is strictly based on its statutory mandate and not politically motivated.
Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resisting all forms of intimidation through lawful and democratic means as the state prepares for the August 15 governorship election.
In a series of posts on his X account on Thursday, Adeleke said his administration remains focused on prudent management of public resources and implementing people-centred policies that have improved the lives of residents across the state.
The governor expressed appreciation to party members and supporters in Ayedaade Local Government Area for the massive turnout during his campaign visit, describing the reception as a strong endorsement of his continuity agenda.
According to him, the enthusiasm shown by supporters reflects their determination despite what he described as repeated provocations.
Adeleke urged his supporters to remain peaceful, vigilant and united, insisting that the best response to intimidation is discipline and a massive turnout on election day.
His remarks come amid controversy over the reported freezing of the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of an ongoing investigation.
The Nigerian Bar Association has criticised the EFCC’s action, arguing that the anti-graft agency lacks the constitutional authority to impose a blanket restriction on a state’s finances without due legal process.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has denied any financial wrongdoing. Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, accused the EFCC of acting on the alleged directive of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola to frustrate the payment of workers’ palliatives.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, with Adeleke seeking a second term under the Accord Party platform.
Amid allegations of financial impropriety rocking the Ondo State House of Assembly, lawmakers on Wednesday held a parliamentary meeting to deliberate on pending legislative matters and announced the constitution of a four-member panel to investigate and audit the Assembly’s accounts, including the alleged involvement of the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji.
The meeting was held at the Assembly complex, but the Speaker and his Deputy, Ololade Gbegudu, were absent. The Majority Leader, Hon. Olatunji Oshati, however, attended the meeting.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Olatunji Ifabiyi, alongside some lawmakers, confirmed that the Assembly’s accounts would be audited.
Ifabiyi, who did not disclose the identities of members of the four-member probe panel, said the leadership of the House had been under pressure to resume legislative activities.
He said the lawmakers considered it necessary to reconvene to discharge their constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking and oversight, following concerns over the prolonged absence of plenary sessions and committee meetings.
According to him, the lawmakers deliberated on issues affecting the development of Ondo State, including constituency projects, community development and the welfare of residents across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Speaking on the political situation in the Assembly, Ifabiyi said lawmakers had not abandoned their plan to impeach the Speaker, but were awaiting further directives from the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He dismissed allegations that lawmakers had been financially induced to abandon the impeachment move, insisting that the process remained pending.
“We are still waiting for the leadership of the party. We are unable to proceed further until the leadership of the party asks us to. So, it’s pending. We are still on course,” he said.
On the role of the state government in the crisis, Ifabiyi said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had no role in the day-to-day running of the legislature, describing the intervention of the APC leadership as a normal party affair.
“The Governor does not intervene in the running of the legislature. It is normal for a party to intervene because we are from the same family,” he said.
He added that the APC leadership should treat all members of the Assembly equally, noting that all 26 lawmakers belonged to the same political party.
“Our father will not prefer one person at the expense of 26. Our father will not do that,” Ifabiyi said.
The Ward Executive Committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ward 9, comprising Amoli, Ogugu, Owelli and Ugbo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, has reaffirmed the indefinite suspension of Mr SKC Ogbonnia from the party.
The Ward said the suspension took effect on May 18, 2026, following the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution.
In a statement dated August 5, 2026, the Ward Executive Committee clarified that the suspension was not a recent decision and remains valid and binding until it is reviewed or lifted by the appropriate organs of the party.
According to the committee, the disciplinary action followed the report of a duly constituted Ward Disciplinary Committee set up to investigate petitions and complaints alleging anti-party activities, gross misconduct, acts of sabotage and conduct considered prejudicial to the interests of the NDC.
The Ward Chairman, Hon. Chief Chukwunta Chibuike Fabian, said the committee observed the principles of fair hearing and due process by issuing several invitations to Ogbonnia and giving him opportunities to appear and respond to the allegations against him.
However, the committee alleged that Ogbonnia failed and refused to honour the invitations or participate in the disciplinary proceedings.
According to the Ward, his alleged refusal to appear compelled the disciplinary committee to conclude its assignment based on the evidence before it.
The report was subsequently adopted unanimously by the Ward Executive Committee, which resolved that Ogbonnia be suspended indefinitely from the NDC with effect from May 18, 2026.
The party said the allegations against him included persistent anti-party activities, gross misconduct, disloyalty, attempts to undermine the party’s leadership, programmes and electoral interests, conduct capable of bringing the party into public disrepute, and disregard for the party’s constitution and lawful directives.
The Ward Executive Committee also claimed that its internal verification showed that Ogbonnia was not recognised as a registered member of the NDC in Ward 9.
The committee questioned the basis of his alleged association with the party and expressed concern over his possession of the Ward’s account number.
According to the Ward, it did not authorise or disclose its account details to Ogbonnia and called on him to explain how he allegedly obtained the information.
The committee further stated that, throughout the period of his suspension, Ogbonnia is prohibited from attending or participating in meetings, programmes, activities or decision-making processes of the NDC.
It also warned that he must not present himself publicly as a member, official or representative of the party unless and until the suspension is reviewed or lifted by the appropriate party authorities.
The Ward Executive Committee said the disciplinary action was necessary to protect the integrity, discipline, unity, constitutional order and credibility of the NDC.
It reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, internal democracy and what it described as zero tolerance for conduct detrimental to the collective interests of the party.
The statement was signed by Hon. Chief Chukwunta Chibuike Fabian, Ward Chairman, NDC Ward 9, Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State.
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