ABUJA, Nigeria – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly denied reports suggesting that he has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for another political party.
The allegations, which circulated on various online platforms, were dismissed as “falsehoods” and part of a “politically motivated smear campaign.”
Paul Ibe, Atiku’s media adviser, issued a statement on Friday to clarify the situation. He stated that the rumors, claiming Atiku’s defection ahead of the 2027 presidential election, were entirely baseless.
In the statement, Atiku reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the PDP, declaring that he remains a committed, genuine, and loyal member of the opposition party.
“We ordinarily would not waste words on faceless social media platforms like the so-called Adamawa happenings. However, in light of inquiries from concerned Nigerians and credible members of the press, we are compelled to set the record straight,” Ibe said.
The statement categorically refuted the rumors, stating: “His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has not — we repeat, has not — resigned from the PDP. He remains a steadfast, bonafide, and loyal member of the party.”
The media adviser accused a Facebook page of spreading the false rumours, claiming that “desperate political operatives” were behind the misinformation, attempting to sow discord within the party and mislead the public.
“It is a calculated attempt to mislead the public and sow discord among the millions of Nigerians who look to Atiku Abubakar for direction and leadership,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the statement condemned the reports as “fake news” and referred to them as part of a “blatant and disgraceful political smear campaign.”
Ibe urged Nigerians, particularly Atiku’s supporters, to ignore the malicious fabrication, labeling it a “vile, vexatious ploy.”
“Atiku Abubakar remains committed to the ideals of the PDP and to the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people,” Ibe concluded.
