Atiku Breaks Silence, Denies Plot to Replace Adamawa ADC Governorship Candidate

By Yagana Ali, Yola 

The Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed allegations linking him to an alleged plot to replace the party’s governorship candidate in Adamawa State

He described the claims as “false, malicious and the handiwork of mischief-makers.”

The denial comes amid rising tension within the Adamawa chapter of the ADC following protests by supporters of the party’s governorship candidate, Ambassador Umar Sulaiman, who alleged that some influential figures were working behind the scenes to substitute him despite his emergence through the party’s primary election.

Responding to the allegations in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku categorically denied authorising or endorsing any move to replace any duly nominated candidate of the party anywhere in Nigeria.

“The allegation is entirely false, malicious and the product of mischief-makers determined to create needless division within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), particularly in Adamawa State,” the statement said.

According to Shaibu, Atiku has neither initiated nor sanctioned any attempt to substitute candidates who emerged through the party’s constitutional processes, insisting that the former Vice President remains committed to internal democracy and the rule of law within the ADC.

“As the party’s presidential candidate, he has consistently upheld the sanctity of the party’s internal democratic processes and remains firmly committed to respecting the decisions of its constitutionally recognised organs,” the statement added.

The former Vice President urged party members, supporters and the general public not to be distracted by what he described as unfounded rumours aimed at creating unnecessary tension within the party.

He maintained that those spreading the allegations were pursuing narrow political interests and were determined to undermine the unity and stability of the ADC at a time when the party was consolidating ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shaibu stressed that Atiku’s focus remains on strengthening the party, fostering unity among its members and leading the ADC to electoral success in 2027.

“He will continue to abide by and respect every lawful decision taken by the party in accordance with its constitution and established procedures,” the statement concluded.

The statement is expected to calm growing concerns among party faithful in Adamawa, where the controversy over the governorship ticket has generated widespread debate and heightened political tension in recent days.