By Joy Baba-Yesufu
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Transparency and Accountability has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to review previous investigative materials involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and determine whether further action is warranted.
The call followed a petition by a former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, asking the EFCC to revisit financial matters involving Atiku during his tenure as vice-president.
The petition, dated August 27, 2026, was received by the EFCC on September 1.
It referred to an earlier EFCC investigation conducted between 2005 and 2006, as well as a September 2006 document titled, The EFCC Report on Vice-President Abubakar Atiku (Full Report).
The convener of the coalition, Comrade Solomon Adodo, made the call during a rally in Abuja, stressing that its demand was for due process and not a declaration of guilt.
“We are demanding transparency, accountability and equal treatment before the law.
“Our message to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is simple: investigate credible allegations. Follow the evidence. Let the law take its course,” Adodo said.
He said the age of the matter should not prevent the commission from reviewing it where credible evidence or a properly constituted petition had been submitted.
The coalition urged the EFCC to examine the historical materials alongside any new information submitted to it and determine whether further investigation was necessary.
It also called on the commission to invite relevant persons for clarification where required, including Atiku, in accordance with due process.
The group stressed that allegations should not be regarded as proof of wrongdoing, adding that Atiku was entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair hearing.
“If evidence establishes wrongdoing, prosecution should follow in accordance with the law. If evidence does not establish wrongdoing, the matter should be closed transparently and the public informed,” the coalition said.
The CSOs said their position was not intended to turn the EFCC into an instrument of political persecution but to ensure an impartial, professional and evidence-based process.
They maintained that the same standard of accountability should apply to politicians, former public officials, businessmen, civil servants and other citizens.
The coalition consequently urged the EFCC to acknowledge and process properly submitted petitions, review relevant historical materials and conduct any further investigation required by law.
It also called for prosecution only where admissible evidence establishes an offence.
The group further urged the commission to communicate its findings where the matter could not be substantiated, saying Nigerians should not be left to rely on rumours or political speculation.
The coalition said consistent application of accountability standards was necessary to strengthen public confidence in anti-corruption institutions.
“We cannot demand accountability from one political camp while excusing the other. We cannot build strong institutions if investigations depend on who is involved,” it said.
The coalition also said Atiku should be given an opportunity to respond fully to any matter raised against him.
Meanwhile, African Democratic Congress(ADC) Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar
has previously stated that matters concerning him were investigated by government institutions during and after his tenure as vice-president and that he was never convicted.
He has also said anyone with evidence should present it to the appropriate authorities.
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