Leaders of the African Democratic Congress in the South-West have reaffirmed their support for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, dismissing reports of dissatisfaction among party leaders in the region over the alleged failure to provide transportation allowances to state chairmen and other officials.
In a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of what it described as the authentic ADC leadership across the South-West, the immediate past South-West Zonal Chairman of the party, Rasak Eyiowuawi, described the publication as misleading, mischievous and politically motivated.
Eyiowuawi said the report was an attempt by a handful of individuals to create an impression of division within the party and undermine Atiku’s political standing ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Let us make this absolutely clear: this is false, mischievous and a desperate attempt to create a crisis where none exists,” he declared.
He insisted that the genuine and committed ADC leadership across the South-West remained firmly behind Atiku, citing his political experience, leadership capacity and commitment to building a formidable political movement capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
“The authentic and committed ADC leadership across the South-West remains firmly behind Atiku Abubakar. We recognise his leadership, appreciate his political experience and commend his commitment to building a formidable political movement capable of rescuing Nigeria from its present challenges.
“Atiku is doing well, and we have no apology for standing with him,” Eyiowuawi added.
The former zonal chairman also faulted attempts by individuals to present their personal grievances as the collective position of ADC stakeholders in the South-West. He argued that dissatisfaction expressed by a few individuals should not be interpreted as the position of the entire region.
According to him, those seeking to portray the party as divided should refrain from using the identity of the entire South-West to advance their personal political interests.
“Nobody should mistake personal bitterness for collective dissatisfaction. Nobody should use anonymous sources, sensational headlines and calculated media narratives to blackmail a presidential candidate or manufacture a false impression of rebellion within an entire geopolitical zone,” he stated.
Eyiowuawi further accused unnamed individuals of attempting to discredit the party’s presidential project and weaken confidence in its leadership.
He alleged that some of those behind the claims had lost political influence because of their own conduct and alleged anti-party activities.
“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,” he said.
He maintained that the ADC was not the personal property of any individual and that the South-West should not be treated as a private political estate.
“ADC is not anybody’s personal property, and the South-West is not a private political estate,” the statement declared.
Addressing the alleged disagreement over transportation allowances, Eyiowuawi maintained that genuine party concerns should be channelled through established internal mechanisms rather than amplified through anonymous media reports.
“If anybody has genuine concerns, the party has established channels for addressing them. Hiding behind anonymous allegations and running to the media to damage the image of a man aspiring to become Nigeria’s next president is neither responsible leadership nor a demonstration of loyalty to the party,” he said.
The statement also outlined five positions which the South-West ADC leaders said reflected their commitment to the party and its political direction. These included continued support for Atiku, the promotion of party unity, rejection of political blackmail, opposition to manufactured divisions and a commitment to securing victory for the ADC in 2027.
Eyiowuawi further rejected suggestions that the South-West was withdrawing its support for Atiku, insisting that the region remained committed to the party’s electoral ambitions.
“The South-West is not in revolt. The South-West is not abandoning Atiku. The South-West is ready for 2027!” he declared.
He urged those making claims of widespread dissatisfaction to speak for themselves rather than present their personal positions as the collective voice of ADC leaders across the region.
The statement concluded with a renewed appeal for unity, political discipline and a focus on strengthening the party’s structures ahead of the next general elections.
“2027 is too important to be sacrificed on the altar of personal ego, political frustration and self-interest,” the former zonal chairman warned.