{
  "id": 5407062,
  "title": "Revival of corruption allegations against Atiku politically motivated – Okonkwo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/revival-of-corruption-allegations-against-atiku-politically-motivated",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-03T20:21:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/03/revival-of-corruption-allegations-against-atiku-politically-motivated-okonkwo/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kenneth Okonkwo, a spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar's presidential campaign with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has stated that allegations of corruption against his client are politically motivated. Okonkwo made these remarks during an interview on Thursday, discussing the renewed focus on Atiku's past dealings in the United States. He responded to recent allegations by rejecting them, stating that previous investigations found Atiku to be completely exonerated and that he received no bribes from former US Congressman William Jefferson. Okonkwo questioned the timing of these allegations, citing their recurrence around election periods. He also criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its ongoing interest in the matter, claiming it could impact the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Okonkwo alleged that political forces were behind the renewed attempts to hinder Atiku's presidential bid, suggesting that the only reason for these efforts is to prevent him from making life better for Nigerians. He defended Atiku's opposition role, stating that the ADC has become a platform for leading opposition figures, including Atiku and Peter Obi, to collaborate. Okonkwo also challenged the notion that legal challenges over a candidate's qualifications are the same as law enforcement agencies investigating political opponents, asserting that Nigerians have the right to question the educational qualifications and eligibility of any presidential candidate.",
  "summary": "Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that attempts to revive old corruption allegations against the former vice-president are politically motivated. Okonkwo made the claim on Thursday while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where he discussed renewed attention on Atiku’s dealings in the United States.…",
  "key_points": [
    "Allegations against Atiku Abubakar are politically motivated, says spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo.",
    "Previous investigations exonerated Atiku, finding him completely clear of bribery.",
    "Okonkwo criticizes EFCC's involvement, linking allegations to 2027 election strategy."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "‘Atiku told me he refused to support Obasanjo’s third term agenda’ – Kenneth Okonkwo",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/atiku-told-me-he-refused-to-support-obasanjos-third-term-agenda",
        "published": "2026-09-03T17:29:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}