Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says an unauthorised payment has been made into one of his private bank accounts, prompting concerns over a possible breach of his confidential banking information.
In a statement issued on Friday 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.
According to the statement, the account is strictly private and its details are not publicly available. Atiku said the payment originated from someone completely unknown to him.
“The transfer originated from a person totally unknown to His Excellency. Neither His Excellency nor his campaign solicited, authorised or has any knowledge of the individual or entity behind the unauthorised payment,” the statement said.
Atiku questioned how an unknown individual obtained the details of his private bank account, describing the development as deeply troubling.
He warned that if his confidential banking information could be accessed, the financial privacy of ordinary Nigerians could also be at risk.
“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.
The ADC candidate also raised concerns that the account details may have been accessed by individuals with privileged access, warning that such a breach, if confirmed, could expose account holders to kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, fraudsters and other criminals.
Atiku described the incident as one of several suspicious developments ahead of the 2027 general election but insisted it would not distract him from his presidential ambition.
“As political activities gather momentum, Nigerians should not be distracted by these tired tactics that smack of character assassination,” he said.
“Such desperate antics have failed before and will fail again. The Waziri Adamawa remains focused on offering Nigerians credible leadership and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges.”
