Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied rumours suggesting he has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called the claims false, malicious, and a “political hatchet job.”
The clarification was made in a statement released Friday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, following fresh reports circulated on social media alleging Atiku’s exit from the opposition party.
“We ordinarily would not waste words on faceless social media platforms like the so-called ‘Adamawa Happenings,’” the statement began.
“However, in light of inquiries from concerned Nigerians and credible members of the press, we are compelled to set the record straight: His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007) 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.”
According to the statement, the rumour originated from a Facebook page accused of spreading falsehoods and allegedly operated by political actors intent on creating confusion.
“The source of this baseless rumour is a Facebook page peddling falsehoods, evidently orchestrated by desperate political operatives with nothing but mischief and confusion on their agenda,” Ibe said.
He described the publication as deliberate disinformation designed to mislead the public and stir tension among Atiku’s supporters. “This is not just fake news — it is a crude, shameless political hatchet job,” he said.
The statement called on the public, especially Atiku’s followers, to ignore the rumour. “We urge Nigerians, especially supporters of the Waziri Adamawa, to disregard this malicious fabrication. It is a vile, vexatious ploy that deserves nothing but contempt,” it added.
Atiku, the statement concluded, remains committed to the PDP and the democratic hopes of Nigerians. “Atiku Abubakar remains committed to the ideals of the PDP and to the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people.”
This marks the second time in recent weeks that Atiku’s camp has refuted similar claims, including a previous rumour linking him to a defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).