By IIhotu Uriel
The Democratic Front (TDF) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent description of some political contestants as “thieves,” arguing that the former vice president should be mindful of controversies that have surrounded his public career.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, TDF described Atiku’s comment as inappropriate and said it could be viewed by Nigerians as an attempt to cast aspersions on other political actors.
The group said its review of historical corruption-related reports showed that Atiku’s name had featured prominently in several controversies involving Nigerian public officials.
TDF cited accounts contained in former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s book, My Watch, regarding Atiku’s departure from the Nigerian Customs Service and alleged circumstances surrounding it.
The group also raised questions about Atiku’s tenure as Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) during the Obasanjo administration.
According to TDF, several major public enterprises were sold during the privatisation exercise and questions have subsequently been raised over their valuation and disposal.
It alleged that both Obasanjo and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai, had criticised aspects of the privatisation process in their respective accounts.
TDF further referred to the 2005 corruption case involving former United States Congressman William Jefferson, in which Atiku’s name featured in related investigations.
The group acknowledged that Atiku was not charged in connection with the case but argued that the controversy contributed to questions surrounding his public image.
TDF also revisited the 2006 allegations involving the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), in which Atiku was accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of involvement in the alleged diversion of public funds.
The group noted that Atiku obtained a favourable court judgment in relation to the EFCC case, but maintained that the controversy continued to influence public perceptions of the former vice president.
However, TDF stressed that it was not accusing Atiku of being guilty of the allegations it referenced.
“We are not accusing Atiku of being complicit in any of the aforementioned corruption reports,” the group said, while arguing that the controversies had contributed to what it described as public scepticism surrounding his integrity.
TDF therefore questioned whether Atiku was in a position to describe other presidential aspirants as “thieves,” urging him to address what it called unresolved concerns surrounding his past public record.
The group said candidates seeking the presidency should be prepared to face scrutiny over their records and conduct their campaigns in a manner that promotes responsible political discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections.
