Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally dismissed reports suggesting his withdrawal from active politics, labeling the claims a “calculated lie.” The Waziri Adamawa addressed the rumors on Tuesday through his media office, asserting that the stories aim to undermine the African Democratic Congress, ADC. This reaction comes as political realignments begin to take a definite shape across the country in preparation for the next general elections.
Phrank Shaibu, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, issued a strongly worded statement to clarify the politician’s position. He denied allegations that the former Vice President met with stakeholders to announce he was “stepping aside” from the national stage. The camp of the Adamawa-born politician insists that he remains a central figure in the quest to reshape Nigeria’s future.
Clarifying the meeting with Adamawa stakeholders
Shaibu explained that while Atiku recently engaged with various political stakeholders in his home state of Adamawa, no such “retirement” meeting occurred. He noted that the discussions in Yola were focused on regional development and party strengthening rather than a national exit strategy. The aide maintained that any decision regarding Atiku’s political future would not be shrouded in mystery or leaked through anonymous sources.
The statement emphasized that a matter as consequential as withdrawing from politics would never be communicated through street-corner gossip or faceless propaganda. If such a decision were ever made, it would be formally and unequivocally announced through the appropriate official channels. For now, the Waziri Adamawa appears fully committed to his role as a leader within the opposition block.
Disinformation campaign triggered by 2027 race
The Atiku camp described the rumors as a “coordinated disinformation campaign” triggered by the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. They argued that these attacks are a direct response to Atiku’s position as a “center of gravity” for political realignments. As various factions seek to build a formidable coalition, the former Vice President’s influence continues to draw significant attention from both friends and foes.
Shaibu used a physics metaphor to describe his boss’s current standing, stating that gravity is observed through the force of consistency and national reach. He argued that Atiku’s unwavering commitment to coalition-building has made him indispensable in the unfolding 2027 political equation. This perceived strength, he claims, is exactly why detractors are working overtime to spread false narratives about his retirement.
Allegations against a desperate political establishment
The statement further alleged that the “false narrative” bears the fingerprints of a “desperate establishment” unsettled by a rising national consensus. Atiku’s team believes that the current administration is worried about a united front aimed at rescuing Nigeria from what they call “democratic erosion.” They suggested that the propaganda is a tool used by those who have failed the country to cling to power.
By labeling the reports as a “calculated lie,” the Atiku camp is sending a clear message that they are ready for the political battles ahead. They believe that the determination of Nigerians to see a change in governance far outweighs the fear-mongering of the ruling class. The ADC, which Atiku is currently associated with, is being positioned as a credible vehicle for this desired change.
Call for steadfastness among ADC members
Urging supporters and members of the ADC to remain steadfast, the statement declared that no amount of propaganda would halt the current movement. Atiku’s media team encouraged the public to focus on the issues of “drift and dysfunction” currently affecting the nation. They maintained that the focus should remain on providing a viable alternative to the current leadership rather than dwelling on fabricated rumors.
As the 2027 race begins to heat up, the battle for the narrative is expected to intensify across all media platforms. Atiku Abubakar has made it clear that he is not going anywhere and will continue to play a lead role in the nation’s democratic process. For his followers, this clarification provides the much-needed assurance that their leader is still very much in the game.
