Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of spreading false information and propaganda aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
In a recent statement, Atiku distanced himself from comments attributed to Kola Johnson, who claims to be his media consultant.
Johnson released a statement on Wednesday, purportedly quoting Atiku promising that the Yoruba people would receive top priority if he were elected president.
This declaration quickly drew criticism from the South West chapter of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM), which asserted that Atiku’s recent appeals to the Yoruba community hold little significance, as the region has already endorsed Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as its favored candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Rejecting Johnson’s assertion of being his media consultant, Atiku, through his spokesperson Paul Ibe, linked Johnson’s actions to the presidency, accusing the government of employing anonymous operatives to create and disseminate false narratives and unauthorized statements in Atiku’s name.
Atiku stated, “We are deeply concerned about a self-proclaimed ‘media consultant,’ Kola Johnson, who has been issuing press releases falsely attributed to me.”
“Our investigation indicates that this is orchestrated by the Presidency, which, in its attempt to discredit opposition figures, has resorted to hiring shadowy agents to produce fabricated stories and circulate unauthorized statements under my name.”
He further condemned Johnson for wrongly attributing to him a statement suggesting his administration would be dominated by a single ethnic group.
“This misinformation is part of a deliberate propaganda effort aimed at mocking and undermining me in the media,” Atiku added.
He emphasized that he has never engaged Johnson as a media consultant, assistant, or affiliate, and warned that any statements issued under Johnson’s name are fraudulent and should be ignored.
Previously, the South West chapter of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) affirmed that the Yoruba region has firmly chosen Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as its preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, dismissing Atiku’s recent outreach as largely ineffective.
Speaking in Osogbo on Thursday, GHSM’s South West Coordinator, Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, criticized Atiku’s comments as mere sentimental expressions that fail to address the pressing concerns of the Yoruba people and Nigerians at large.
“The South West is not influenced by empty promises or emotional appeals. Our people have consistently demanded leadership grounded in honesty, capability, and a clear vision for Nigeria’s future. That is why we stand resolutely behind Dr. Gbenga Hashim,” Olaniyi stated.
He described Gbenga Hashim as more than just a political aspirant; he is a principled democrat, a successful global entrepreneur, and a unifier capable of bridging divides between the North and South.
Olaniyi highlighted that Hashim’s Yoruba heritage combined with his national acceptance uniquely position him to represent the region’s progressive ideals of fairness, innovation, and justice, while also addressing broader national goals.
“Moreover, Dr. Hashim is contesting under a broader political platform, the PDP, which holds greater influence than Atiku’s ADC,” he noted.
Contrasting Hashim with Atiku, Olaniyi characterized the former vice president as emblematic of the “old guard” in Nigerian politics.
“Our people seek more than just assurances of being ‘family’ or part of an extended network. We desire a leader who comprehends the complexities of today’s global economy, can restore trust in governance, and possesses the resolve to reform Nigeria. Gbenga Hashim exemplifies such leadership,” he affirmed.
The GHSM South West Coordinator called on Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and youth organizations to unite their support behind Hashim, describing him as a candidate of conscience with the ability to unify Nigeria, tackle insecurity, and rejuvenate the economy.
Olaniyi concluded by emphasizing the South West’s legacy of advocating progressive values and pledged that this tradition will continue in 2027 through steadfast backing of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.
