TDF Urges Atiku to Address Questions on Financial Allegations Before Seeking Explanations From Tinubu

TDF Urges Atiku to Address Questions on Financial Allegations Before Seeking Explanations From Tinubu

The Democratic Front (TDF) has responded to the call by the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, for President Bola Tinubu to provide explanations regarding a civil forfeiture proceeding in the United States dating back about three decades.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, TDF said Atiku should also address outstanding questions and allegations relating to financial transactions involving his former wife, Ms Jennifer Douglas Abubakar, which have previously been the subject of public and official scrutiny.

The group said: “We believe that the 2027 election campaign should focus primarily on policies, programmes, qualifications and the competing visions of the candidates for Nigeria.

“The call for clarification regarding the historical US civil forfeiture proceeding is a legitimate matter for public discussion, but it should be considered alongside other issues that have been raised concerning the records of the major political actors.

“TDF notes that the US proceeding involving the forfeiture of funds was a civil forfeiture matter. Civil forfeiture proceedings generally concern property rather than determining the criminal guilt of an individual. Consequently, the circumstances and legal findings of that proceeding should be accurately distinguished from any allegation of criminal liability.

“We also believe that questions concerning financial transactions involving former public officials and persons associated with them should be addressed through the appropriate legal and investigative processes, rather than through political assertions.

“The group therefore calls on all presidential candidates to provide clear and evidence-based explanations concerning any issues arising from their public records, while avoiding unsubstantiated allegations against political opponents.

“TDF recalls that financial transactions involving accounts associated with Jennifer Douglas Abubakar were previously the subject of public discussion and scrutiny in the United States. Any outstanding issues arising from those matters should be addressed on the basis of verifiable records and the findings of competent authorities.

“We believe Nigerians are entitled to sufficient information to assess the records, policies and programmes of all presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Accordingly, we encourage former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, President Bola Tinubu and other presidential candidates to respond to legitimate questions concerning their records and to keep the electoral debate focused on issues of public interest, policy and governance.”

TDF said the 2027 electoral process should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to compare the policy proposals, records and development priorities of the various candidates based on verifiable information.