Tinubu Govt Hiring Fake Media Aides To Malign Me – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that the Presidency is behind a campaign of disinformation against him, using what he described as “faceless mercenaries” to fabricate fake stories.

Atiku, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Thursday, distanced himself from one Kola Johnson, who has been circulating statements purportedly on his behalf.

The statement clarified that Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), “has never engaged Kola Johnson as a media consultant, aide, or associate.”

“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,” the statement read.

The Atiku Media Office alleged that its findings point directly to the Presidency, accusing it of desperation to smear opposition figures.

“Our findings point directly to the Presidency, which in its desperation to smear opposition leaders, has resorted to hiring faceless mercenaries to fabricate fake stories and circulate unauthorized statements on Atiku,” the statement added.

Atiku’s team specifically condemned a recent claim attributed to Johnson suggesting that an Atiku administration would be dominated by a single ethnic group.

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

“This disinformation is part of a calculated propaganda project designed to ridicule Atiku in the media,” the statement said.

The former VP’s camp urged media organisations that had published such “falsehoods” to retract them immediately, warning journalists and editors to be vigilant against what it described as propaganda schemes of the Tinubu administration.

“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 advised editors and media managers to cross-check with the Atiku Media Office before publishing statements attributed to the former VP.

“Editors and media gatekeepers are strongly advised to verify with the AMO before publication,” the statement concluded.