Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied reports claiming he received campaign funds from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the 2023 presidential election.

Atiku, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, described the allegations as “a blatant lie from the pit of hell.”

A statement released by the Atiku Media Office on Tuesday addressed the claims, which suggested that Sanwo-Olu, a key member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), channelled Lagos State funds to Atiku via Ms Aisha Achimugu. The statement also referenced reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was investigating the matter.

“Let it be known that this is a blatant lie—a contrived political fabrication and a futile campaign of calumny aimed at advancing the political interests of President Bola Tinubu,” the statement read.

It further asserted that Atiku has never met Sanwo-Olu and has no personal or financial ties with him.

“How could Atiku, who has never met or interacted with Sanwo-Olu, have engaged in financial dealings with him—particularly during an election where his principal (Tinubu) was a candidate? To what end?” the statement asked.

The media office dismissed the allegation as a political strategy to justify sidelining Sanwo-Olu, suggesting that the Lagos governor had fallen out of favour with key figures in the APC.

It also accused the EFCC of being dragged into a political witch-hunt, challenging the agency to publicly disclose any findings from its alleged investigation.

“This propaganda campaign against Atiku Abubakar must be halted immediately,” the statement concluded.