Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has raised the alarm over an alleged breach of his financial privacy after an unidentified individual reportedly deposited money into one of his private bank accounts without his knowledge or authorisation.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the incident as deeply disturbing, alleging that the development could point to an unauthorised access to confidential banking information.
According to him, the suspicious payment was made into a strictly private account domiciled with one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks. He said the account details were not publicly available and questioned how an unknown person obtained the information.
Shaibu said the payment came from an individual completely unknown to Atiku and carried the narration, “Contribution Electioneering Campaign.”
He stressed that neither Atiku nor his campaign organisation solicited, authorised or had any knowledge of the payment or the person behind it.
The former vice president said the incident raised serious questions about the security of private banking information, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
«“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?” Atiku asked.»
He warned that the alleged breach should concern not only him but every Nigerian who keeps money in a bank, arguing that if the confidential financial information of a former vice president and presidential candidate could allegedly be accessed without authorisation, ordinary citizens could also be vulnerable.
«“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 further expressed concern that the information may have been obtained through individuals with privileged access to confidential financial records.
He warned that, if established, such a development could constitute a grave abuse of power and potentially expose account holders to criminal elements, including kidnappers, terrorists, bandits and fraudsters.
The ADC candidate consequently called on Nigerians and relevant security agencies to take note of the incident, describing it as part of what he characterised as a series of suspicious developments surrounding him as the 2027 political season approaches.
«“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,” Atiku said.»
He also accused unnamed individuals of attempting to distract the public through what he described as character-assassination tactics.
According to him, similar tactics had failed in the past and would not derail his political ambitions, insisting that his focus remained on providing what he described as credible leadership and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
«“As political activities gather momentum, Nigerians should not be distracted by these tired tactics that smack of character assassination,” Atiku 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.”»
The allegation comes at a politically sensitive period as political alignments and preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum. Atiku’s claims, however, remain allegations, and the identities, motives and source of the disputed payment have not been established in the statement.