On Friday, the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, described as “utter rubbish” an audio clip circulating on social media in which it was alleged that he, his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, revealed plans to scuttle the upcoming election.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president said the clip confirmed that the ruling party’s propaganda would reach new heights just hours before the election.
“We warned last week that as the election approaches, there will be an increase in the rate of propaganda on social media,” the statement said in part. With only 24 hours until the election, we have already seen propaganda from both the APC and the Labour Party.
“In this latest campaign, a montage of speeches delivered by Atiku, Tambuwal, and Okowa since last year was manipulated and pieced together to give the impression that they were discussing plans to rig Saturday’s election. Even dead people can be portrayed as delivering speeches in this age of artificial intelligence technology. This isn’t anything new!
To be clear, Atiku has run in two presidential elections and has never been charged with election violence or vote buying.
“However, some people believe they can sell a narrative in which Atiku manipulates the election. This is the pinnacle of desperation, the final kick of a dying horse. The APC and the Labour Party must remember that elections are won in polling booths, not on social media.”
“It is unfortunate that those seeking power will engage in outdated defeatist tactics,” Atiku said, explaining why Nigerians should disregard the audio conversation. In a one-on-one private conversation, how can Tambuwal address Atiku by his full name? This is absurd, similar to the meaningless nonsense about President Muhammadu Buhari being killed and replaced by one Jubril from Sudan.”
He urged PDP supporters across the country not to engage in similar propaganda and instead support the party’s efforts to save the nation and its citizens, beginning with Saturday’s presidential election.
“When they descend to the level of baseless propaganda, we will rise above it with dignity and respond with our Permanent Voter Cards. This election marks a turning point in Nigerian history. Nigerians must not lose sight of what is most important: rebuilding this broken system, revitalizing the economy, and improving security and people’s hope in a united Nigeria,” he added.
The PDP presidential candidate urged the police and other security agencies, as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission, to go above and beyond to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
He also directed security agencies to pursue those responsible for the audio clip and bring them to justice in accordance with Section 123(c) of the Electoral Act 2022.
