Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has debunked claims suggesting that the ex-Presidential candidate is preparing to run again in the 2027 elections.
His clarification comes in response to a viral video circulating on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), in which Atiku is reportedly heard saying he would make a “formal announcement” regarding his political plans.
The clip has fueled speculation that the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer is gearing up for another presidential bid. However, Ibe dismissed the claims, stating that the video being circulated is outdated and was recorded back in 2022 ahead of the PDP primaries for the 2023 general elections.
“That video is being circulated to mislead the public,” Ibe said in a statement on Friday. “Yes, that was Atiku Abubakar speaking, but it was in the context of the 2023 PDP presidential primaries, not the 2027 elections.”
He explained that Atiku’s confidence in the video was reflective of a candidate who had worked hard and was optimistic about his chances at the time.
Ibe urged the public to ignore the misleading interpretation being given to the clip, warning that it was being used deliberately to distort facts.
“It’s crucial to provide the proper context to prevent mischief makers from twisting the narrative for political gain,” he concluded.