Aide dismisses video of ‘ailing’ Atiku as coalition backs flag bearer

Media adviser to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Paul Ibe, yesterday, dismissed “a report and a video in a section of the media purporting to be of an ‘ailing’ Atiku Abubakar being strapped to his car seatbelt by an aide.”

Ibe said the former Vice President “is in robust good health,” adding: “Nothing can be further from the truth.”

The statement reads in part: “We would not ordinarily have responded to this mischief, but for the impression that it will create in the minds of Nigerians, which is exactly the objective of the purveyors of this fake news.

“Recall that the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the PDP was in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State on Thursday for the grand rally of the PDP, ahead of weekend’s election and victory of its governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke.

“It is important to note that protective operations encompass all measures being put in place to ensure extreme safety of a VIP on foot movements, static, and on motion.

“It is the responsibility of the head of Atiku Abubakar’s security to ensure his safety before the convoy commences any movement. Since VIP movement entails protective driving, securing a VIP before embarking on any type of journey, be it short or long distance, cannot be overemphasised. The overriding consideration, at all times, is the safety of Atiku Abubakar.

“We wish to state that Atiku Abubakar is not averse to scrutiny because of the consequential nature of the 2023 elections. However, it is our position that such scrutiny must not be predicated on a slash and burn rogue journalism as is the case with this contrived report.”

THIS came as a group, Coalition of Igbo Youths for Atiku 2023, called for the emergence of Atiku as President in the 2023 elections.

The group said Atiku has proven to be a focused, result-oriented leader who can salvage the nation from the maladministration of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement, the convener of the coalition, Mr. Chris Nkemdirim, urged people to ensure the victory.

He added: “Only Atiku can build a strong, resilient and prosperous economy that creates jobs and wealth and lifts the poor out of poverty, and also promote a true federal system that will provide for a strong federal government to guarantee national unity, while allowing federating units to set their own priories.”