Atiku Urges EFCC, ICPC to Probe Alleged Bribery in Ministerial Appointments

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to identify individuals who allegedly received billions of naira from ministers seeking appointments into his administration, calling for an investigation into the allegations.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the demand in a post on X on Friday, following allegations attributed to Alwan Hassan, a spokesperson for Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Council, that some ministers paid billions of naira to secure their appointments and subsequently sought to recover the money.

“Your campaign spokesman has admitted that ministers paid billions in bribes to secure their appointments. You appointed them, so who received the money? Nigerians deserve names, not silence,” Atiku wrote.

He also criticised the Tinubu administration over the rising cost of living and alleged restrictions on funding to government ministries, arguing that such measures could worsen the delivery of essential public services.

The former vice-president’s position was reinforced by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, who separately called for a formal investigation into the allegations.

In a statement posted on X on Friday, Ibe said the claims originated from Hassan, rather than opposition figures, and urged the relevant authorities to establish whether ministers paid money to secure their positions.

He questioned which ministers allegedly made the payments, who received the money, what evidence was available and whether President Tinubu was aware of the alleged transactions.

Ibe warned that if public appointments were secured through financial inducements, the practice could undermine accountability and compromise the purpose of public service.

He argued that officials who allegedly paid to secure appointments might prioritise recovering their investments over meeting the needs of Nigerians in critical sectors, including healthcare, education, electricity and employment.

According to him, the allegations, if substantiated, would raise serious questions about the management of public institutions and the priorities of the administration.

Ibe also questioned the rationale for withholding funds from ministries, reportedly in connection with concerns about ministers’ conduct, arguing that financial restrictions could not replace a proper investigation into suspected corruption.

He called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to obtain any evidence Hassan might possess and investigate all individuals implicated, regardless of their political affiliations or official positions.

The media adviser further urged Tinubu to address the allegations directly, insisting that Nigerians deserved clarification on whether public appointments had been subjected to improper financial arrangements.

The allegations have raised questions about transparency in ministerial appointments and the need for accountability in public office. However, the claims remain allegations, and the information provided in the report does not establish that the alleged payments occurred or identify any confirmed recipients.