ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has forcefully dismissed a newspaper report claiming controversy surrounded former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s registration with the party, labeling the story as “pure fiction” and disowning the individual quoted as its spokesman.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its authentic National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party asserted that the report titled “Controversy Trails Atiku’s ADC Registration as Party Declares Process Invalid” was entirely fabricated.
“The person quoted in that report is unknown to the ADC at any level and does not exist within our structures, registers, or leadership organs,” Abdullahi stated. “The national leadership of the ADC is not in any doubt, and no one authorized to speak for the party has said anything close to what was reported.”
The party expressed serious concern about media outlets providing platform to unauthorized individuals, warning that such practices not only mislead the public but also damage media credibility.
Abdullahi framed the incident within broader political concerns, stating: “We have all witnessed the orchestrated destabilisation of opposition parties and Nigeria’s gradual descent into a one-party state.” He described the ADC as “the last man standing” in Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and urged media organizations to avoid becoming tools in efforts to undermine opposition voices.
The rebuttal comes amid Atiku Abubakar’s highly publicized move to join the ADC, where he formally received his membership card in a ceremony in Yola and announced “It’s official” on his social media platforms.
The ADC’s strong response highlights the heightened political tensions in Nigeria’s opposition landscape and the party’s determination to control its official narrative during a period of significant political realignment.
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