ADC Dares APC to Prove Claim of Atiku Plot to Discredit Kaduna Rally

By: Ganiyu Olayinka

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to produce evidence for its claim that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the ADC planned to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s campaign rally in Kaduna State with deepfake videos and fabricated documents.

The ADC also blamed the government’s economic policies for rising living costs and falling purchasing power, arguing that the administration’s record, and not opposition propaganda, explains public discontent.

Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, made the remarks on Saturday, responding to APC Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson Dele Alake. None of the claims from either side has been independently verified.

“No evidence”

Alake had accused Atiku and the ADC of planning to spread AI-generated videos, forged documents and misinformation to damage the APC’s 2027 campaign flag-off in Kaduna. He also alleged that opposition figures circulated a purported letter claiming that the Kaduna State Government had approved ₦2.3 trillion for the rally.

Shaibu said Alake had not linked Atiku or the ADC to any fabrication. “He accuses Atiku Abubakar and the ADC of a ‘devious plan,’ AI manipulation and deepfakes, yet offers no evidence linking them to the alleged letter or any fabricated video,” he said. He challenged Alake to produce names, dates and forensic findings.

The economic argument

Shaibu pointed to petrol prices of about ₦1,400 a litre, diesel above ₦2,000 a litre and food inflation near 20 per cent as evidence of household hardship. He also cited a World Bank poverty estimate reported by Reuters, arguing that it contradicts the government’s claims of progress.

He maintained that the hardship cannot be fixed through rallies, billboards or political statements. “Alake’s attack on Atiku will not reduce the cost of a meal by one naira,” he said, adding that voters would reject the APC in 2027.

Questions over supporters’ welfare

Shaibu challenged the APC’s explanation that a security vehicle photographed near one of its billboards in Kaduna was on routine patrol. He also alleged that some supporters brought to the rally from other states were left sleeping outdoors in Kaduna.

He referred to reports of an accident involving supporters travelling from Sokoto and Abuja, while acknowledging that details remained unconfirmed, and called on the APC to account for the passengers’ safety. He accused the ruling party of putting large crowds ahead of the welfare of the people it transports, and argued that moving supporters between states does not necessarily show widespread public backing.