• Launches portal for Nigerians to scrutinise record, 2027 plans
• Group tasks EFCC on impartial probe of Atiku’s alleged financial misconduct

The 2012 arrest of convicted Boko Haram member, Kabiru Sokoto, at the Borno State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja has been exhumed by the political camp of African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Expecting a backlash from his political enemies, the camp also launched a new online platform through which Nigerians can question its principal’s public service record, challenge his policies and seek clarification on his plans for the country ahead of the 2027 general election.

However, a group, Ndigbo for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT), yesterday, backed the review of corruption allegations against Atiku, urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into allegations of financial misconduct.

Paul Ibe, media aide to Atiku, raised the Sokoto issue yesterday, a day after VP Shettima criticised Atiku during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) in Abuja.

Shettima had taken a swipe at Atiku over his repeated attempts to become president and his references to President Bola Tinubu by his first name.

In response, Ibe drew attention to an incident from Shettima’s time as governor of Borno State, questioning how a man later convicted over the deadly 2011 Christmas Day bombing in Madalla gained access to the governor’s official residence.

In his post on X, Ibe wrote: “Shettima cannot escape questions about an extraordinary incident that occurred while he governed Borno between 2011 and 2019.”

Sokoto was arrested at the Borno Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, in January 2012, following investigations into the bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State, on December 25, 2011. The attack killed at least 37 people and injured dozens of others. Sokoto was convicted over the bombing in December 2013 and sentenced to life.

Highlighting the circumstances of the arrest, Ibe wrote: “Read that again. A man subsequently convicted for his involvement in one of Nigeria’s most horrifying terrorist attacks was arrested at the official lodge of the governor of the state that was the epicentre of Boko Haram’s bloody insurgency.”

The Borno government denied knowing that Sokoto was at the lodge, describing his presence as a serious security breach.

However, Ibe argued that the explanation did not remove the need for further questions about how the incident happened and what followed.

“An official denial does not eliminate the legitimate questions arising from such an extraordinary incident,” he wrote.

Addressing the VP directly, Ibe added: “Mr Vice President, public office does not confer immunity from difficult questions.”

THE portal, called ‘Ask AA’, was scheduled to go live at 8:30 p.m. on October 15, 2026, according to a statement by the ADC PCC.

The platform will allow citizens to ask questions on the economy, security, technology, job creation and measures to reduce the cost of living.

Atiku said he would personally answer questions submitted through the portal, while members of his media team would also respond to inquiries.

The initiative provides an avenue for Nigerians to scrutinise the former vice president’s record and proposals, although the campaign has yet to disclose how questions and responses will be selected and published.

Announcing the initiative, Atiku said leadership should involve direct communication between elected leaders and citizens rather than being restricted by bureaucratic barriers.

The Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC PCC, Phrank Shaibu, said the platform was designed to bring the presidential candidate closer to the electorate and improve access to information about his political agenda.

A STATEMENT in Abakaliki signed by the National Coordinator of NDI-ABAT, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the Secretary-General, Dr Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr, called on EFCC to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into allegations of financial misconduct involving Atiku.

The group was reacting to a fresh petition reportedly submitted by former House of Representatives member, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, noting that no Nigerian, regardless of political influence, public office or personal connections, should be treated as a sacred cow or placed above the law.

NDI-ABAT urged the EFCC to review relevant materials from the earlier investigation and carefully examine the allegations and supporting documents referenced in the petition, including the reported findings of the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

The forum emphasised that the demand for accountability must not be misconstrued as political persecution but a call for the consistent application of the law, due process, and institutional integrity.