Ex-Vice President Atiku Dismisses Reports on Alleged Retirement, Declares It’s Fake

• Says only govt, its agents can sponsor such

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has condemned what it described as a coordinated attempt by “anti-democratic elements” to spread falsehood and create confusion within African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid growing political realignments ahead of future elections.

In a press release yesterday, in Abuja, the Atiku media office debunked reports suggesting that the presidential hopeful had held a meeting with ADC stakeholders at the national level where he allegedly announced his decision to retire from active politics.

The statement 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 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 stated 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”.

The media office further 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.

It also accused unnamed anti-democratic forces of being uncomfortable with 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 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.