Mystery Election Campaign Payment Hits Atiku’s Private Account, Raises Questions Over Banking Privacy
By Passman Akpos
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has raised serious concerns after an unknown individual allegedly paid money into one of his private bank accounts without his knowledge or authorization.
In a statement released on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the transaction as deeply troubling, saying the transfer was labeled “Contribution Electioneering Campaign” despite neither he nor his campaign requesting or approving any such payment.
According to the statement, the bank account involved is strictly private, with its details not available to the public. Atiku questioned how an unknown person obtained the confidential banking information, describing the development as a disturbing breach of financial privacy.
“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.
The former vice president argued that the incident raises broader national security concerns, warning that if the confidential banking details of a former vice president and presidential candidate can be accessed by unknown persons, then the financial privacy of ordinary Nigerians may also be under serious threat.
He further suggested that the information may have been obtained by individuals with privileged access to sensitive financial records.
According to Atiku, if such access is confirmed, it would represent a grave abuse of power capable of exposing citizens to kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, fraudsters and other criminal elements.The ADC presidential candidate also linked the incident to what he described as a pattern of suspicious developments ahead of the 2027 general election, alleging that the move may be part of attempts to tarnish his image.
Despite the incident, Atiku insisted he remains focused on his presidential ambition, maintaining that what he described as “desperate antics” and attempts at character assassination would not derail his campaign.
He reaffirmed his commitment to offering what he called credible leadership and practical solutions to Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
