Atiku Flags ‘Suspicious Credit’ Into Personal Bank Account

By Osaro Michael, Benin

Ex- Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed alarm over an unexpected credit alert into one of his private bank accounts, warning that his confidential banking information may have been breached.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, made this known in a statement released on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

According to the statement, the funds were deposited by a person unknown to the former VP, with the payment description reading, “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.

The statement described the situation as “deeply troubling,” noting that the account is strictly private and its details are not publicly accessible.

“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?” it added.

Atiku said the incident raises wider concerns about financial privacy for all Nigerians.

“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,” the statement quoted him as saying.

He also voiced concern that the data may have come from people with authorized access.

“Even more disturbing is the suspicion that such confidential information may have been obtained through persons with privileged access,” the statement said.

Atiku cautioned that leaking private banking details could put citizens at risk of harm.

“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 he has informed security agencies and the public, describing it as part of “a litany of suspicious activities” ahead of the 2027 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 voters not to be swayed by what he called efforts to tarnish his image as campaigns heat up.

“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 reaffirmed his commitment to offering Nigerians what he called credible leadership and workable solutions.

“The Waziri Adamawa remains focused on offering Nigerians credible leadership and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges,” the statement said.