Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly accused the Nigerian Presidency of engaging in high-level propaganda and disinformation aimed at smearing opposition leaders as the nation approaches the 2027 elections. In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, voiced concerns over a campaign allegedly orchestrated by the Tinubu administration.
The controversy centers around a “faceless mercenary” identified as Kola Johnson, who has reportedly been issuing fake press releases in Atiku’s name. Ibe stated, “We have observed with concern a certain self-styled ‘media consultant,’ one Kola Johnson, issuing press releases in the name of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.” According to the statement, investigations suggest that Johnson is being sponsored by the current administration in a desperate attempt to tarnish the image of opposition figures.
The Atiku camp dismissed a recent claim attributed to Johnson, which suggested that an Atiku presidency would be dominated by a single ethnic group. Ibe asserted that “this disinformation is part of a calculated propaganda project designed to ridicule Atiku in the media.” He emphasized that Atiku has “never engaged one Kola Johnson as a media consultant, aide, or associate,” and warned that any statements issued under that name are “fake and should be disregarded.”
Ibe called on media outlets that had published such reports to retract them immediately. In a broader appeal, he cautioned Nigerians, particularly journalists, to remain vigilant against what he termed the “propaganda schemes” of the Tinubu administration, which now include circulating fabricated statements through compromised journalists.
“For the record, authentic information from Atiku Abubakar is only released through the Atiku Media Office, signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, or the Special Assistant on Public Communications,” the statement clarified. The Atiku Media Office urged media gatekeepers to verify all statements purportedly coming from the former vice president before publication.
As the political landscape heats up ahead of the 2027 elections, Atiku’s accusations reflect ongoing tensions between opposition leaders and the current administration. The unfolding developments highlight the critical role of accurate information and media integrity in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
