The clarification came through a press release issued by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, following a wave of social media posts claiming that Atiku had decided to leave the political stage and hand over his role within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to the statement, the information circulating online was described as “entirely false and deliberately misleading.”
The reports suggested that Atiku had held a national-level meeting with ADC stakeholders and decided to retire from politics, but the media office refuted these claims, stating that no such engagement took place.
“The only recent engagement he had was with stakeholders of the ADC in Adamawa State last Thursday,” the press release noted.
The statement highlighted that an issue as critical as leaving active politics could never be communicated through rumours or faceless sources. Any such decision would only be conveyed officially by the Atiku Media Office.
Atiku’s office further claimed that the false information was part of a coordinated disinformation effort aimed at creating confusion and undermining the momentum of the ADC.
“This latest falsehood bears all the hallmarks of a coordinated disinformation campaign designed to create confusion, dampen momentum, and mislead the Nigerian public,” the statement read.
The media office suggested that anti-democratic elements, possibly sponsored by government actors, were behind the misinformation. The aim, it said, was to destabilise growing support for Atiku and his political activities.
In response to the rumours, Atiku’s team called on supporters, ADC members, and all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard the reports and remain focused on the party’s objectives.
“We state without equivocation that this mischief is being driven by anti-democratic elements who are deeply unsettled by the growing national consensus to rescue Nigeria from the failures of the current administration,” the release said.
Supporters were urged to continue their efforts to “reclaim and rebuild our nation” without being distracted by false narratives.
Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, has remained a major figure in Nigerian politics.
He is a founding member of the African Democratic Congress, a political party gaining attention for its positioning in national and regional politics.
Atiku has long been involved in efforts to strengthen opposition parties and encourage reforms in governance. His active participation in political engagements has made him a key voice on national issues, including economic development, security, and democratic reforms.
The recent fake news reflects the challenges faced by political figures in the digital age, where misinformation can spread rapidly.
In recent weeks, Atiku has focused on meetings with party stakeholders and constituents in Adamawa State, where he reiterated his commitment to democratic ideals and national development.
The press release highlighted that any major decisions concerning his political career would be formally announced and not through unverified social media reports.
The denial of the retirement rumours underscores ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape. The spread of false information can potentially affect party dynamics, voter confidence, and public perception of political leaders.