Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South-West have dismissed reports alleging dissatisfaction with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over non-payment of transportation allowances to state chairmen.
The leaders described the publication as false mischievous and politically motivated saying it was a calculated attempt to create a crisis where none exists.
In a statement signed by the immediate past South-West Zonal Chairman of the party Hon. Eyiowuawi Razak on behalf of authentic ADC leaders across the zone the leaders said the report does not represent the collective interest of the South-West.
‘We categorically reject this attempt to use the name of the South-West to advance the personal frustrations and political interests of a handful of individuals’ the statement said.
The leaders declared that the authentic ADC leadership in the South-West remains firmly behind Atiku Abubakar commending his leadership and commitment to building a formidable movement to rescue the country.
They accused those behind the publication of losing political relevance due to anti-party activities and attempting to manufacture division to discredit the presidential project.
‘Those who could not protect the collective interest of the party when they had the opportunity should not suddenly present themselves as the defenders of its future’ they stated.
The statement stressed that the ADC is not anybody’s personal property and that the South-West is not a private political estate warning against mistaking personal bitterness for collective dissatisfaction.
The leaders urged those with genuine concerns to use established party channels rather than resorting to anonymous allegations and media blackmail against a presidential aspirant.
‘Our message is straightforward: We stand with Atiku Abubakar we support a united and formidable ADC we reject political blackmail and manufactured division’ the statement added.
They maintained that the South-West is not in revolt and is not abandoning Atiku insisting that the zone is ready for the 2027 general elections.
The leaders called on those spreading the narratives to stop hiding behind the collective identity of ADC leaders and to speak for themselves.
They said their focus remains on building a winning coalition strengthening party structuress and delivering a new political direction for Nigeria adding that 2027 is too important to be sacrificed on the altar of personal ego and self-interest.