Atiku made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he explained that his fortune came from ventures across logistics, real estate, agriculture, education, and the oil and gas sector.

He said he was already a fully established businessman before joining politics and had interests spread across different parts of the economy.

According to him, his financial background has never been in doubt because of how his wealth was acquired.

Atiku also recalled his role in the early formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that he was among its key founders and also contributed financially to its establishment.

He further noted that during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a panel was set up to investigate his activities. He said the panel included figures such as Nasir El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu, and that he allowed the process to proceed without relying on his immunity.

“I made my money through business before joining politics. I invested in oil and gas, logistics, agriculture and other sectors,” he said.

“I was already established in business before I came into politics.”

“I played a major role in setting up the PDP and contributed financially to its formation.”

“No one accused me of corruption because my sources of income were clear.”

“A panel was set up to investigate me, and I allowed it to go ahead without hiding behind immunity,” he added.

Atiku remains active in Nigerian politics and is currently seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general election.

The decision was announced on April 15, 2026, after a meeting of the faction’s State Executive Committee.

Among those suspended are former governors John Odigie-Oyegun and Osareimen Osunbor, as well as former senators Yisa Braimoh and Ehigie Uzamere.

Others affected include Nosa Ehima, former Oredo Local Government chairman; Sylvester Ewanehi, a former state commissioner; Tony Alile, the party’s newly elected Edo chairman; Jafaru Sumaila; Stella Alli; Igieogbe Asemota; and Christopher Ojeikere, the state publicity secretary.

Factional state chairman Kennedy Odion said the suspension followed allegations of insubordination, anti-party conduct and failure to comply with party directives.

He also accused the affected members of setting up parallel structures within the party and engaging in actions capable of causing division and confusion.

According to Odion, the State Executive Committee further found that some of the suspended members were involved in groups not recognised by the party’s constitution.

As part of the disciplinary action, all affected members have been barred from attending meetings, participating in party activities, making decisions on behalf of the ADC, or presenting themselves as party representatives.

The directive also instructed all party organs across Edo State to deny the suspended members recognition and access throughout the suspension period. Local government and ward executives were directed to ensure full compliance and report any breaches.

Odion said each affected member would receive a formal notice detailing the allegations and would be invited to appear before the State Disciplinary Committee to defend themselves, call witnesses and seek representation if necessary.

He added that the disciplinary process would follow the party’s constitutional procedures, while those suspended have the right to appeal within 14 days. Any appeal, he said, would be reviewed and decided within 21 days.

The faction said the suspension takes immediate effect and is binding on all party structures in the state.