Dare Babalola
The media office of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has raised alarm over what it described as a coordinated attempt by “anti-democratic elements” to spread falsehood and create confusion within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid growing political realignments ahead of future elections.
In a press release issued on Monday in Abuja, the Atiku Media Office firmly debunked reports circulating on social media suggesting that the former presidential candidate had held a meeting with ADC stakeholders at the national level where he allegedly announced his decision to retire from active politics.
The statement categorically described the claim as “entirely false and deliberately misleading,” stressing that no such meeting ever took place. According to the media office, Atiku’s most recent engagement with members of the ADC was limited to a meeting with stakeholders in Adamawa State last Thursday.
“The Waziri Adamawa has not in recent times held any such meeting with ADC stakeholders at the national level,” the statement clarified, dismissing the narrative as fabricated and lacking any factual basis.
The media office further argued that a decision of such magnitude—like withdrawing from active politics—could not be communicated through unofficial channels, rumours, or unnamed sources. It maintained that any such development, if it were to occur, would be formally announced through the appropriate and recognised communication channels of the Atiku Media Office.
Describing the reports as part of a broader disinformation effort, the statement alleged that the rumours were orchestrated to weaken political momentum and mislead the public. It said the false claims bore “all the hallmarks of a coordinated disinformation campaign designed to create confusion, dampen momentum, and mislead the Nigerian public.”
In a more pointed remark, the media office suggested that the alleged campaign could be linked to political opponents unsettled by emerging alliances and shifting dynamics within the opposition space.
“Only the government and its agents could have sponsored this desperate narrative out of fear of what is coming,” the statement said, without providing specific evidence.
The statement also accused unnamed anti-democratic forces of being uncomfortable with what it described as a “growing national consensus” to rescue Nigeria from the perceived failures of the current administration.
Reaffirming Atiku’s continued political relevance and engagement, the media office urged his supporters, members of the ADC, and the general public to disregard the reports and remain focused on broader national objectives.
“We therefore urge supporters of Atiku Abubakar, members of the ADC, and all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard this fake news in its entirety and remain focused on the collective effort to reclaim and rebuild our nation,” the statement concluded.
The development comes amid heightened political activities and speculations surrounding opposition figures and parties, with the ADC increasingly becoming a focal point in discussions about coalition-building and alternative political platforms in Nigeria.
