The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly refuted a viral publication alleging behind-the-scenes political negotiations involving the 2023 presidential candidate, describing the claims as entirely false and malicious.
In a statement issued in Abuja on February 12, 2026, Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, dismissed the report titled “Between Atiku and Makinde, Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday,” which was attributed to former Ekiti State Governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose.
Shaibu characterized the publication as a “reckless and malicious fabrication,” asserting that it was riddled with inaccuracies and designed to mislead the public.
“Our attention has been drawn to a reckless and malicious fabrication titled ‘Between Atiku and Makinde, Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday,’ attributed to one Peter Ayodele Fayose,” the statement read. “Let it be stated clearly: the entire publication is a shameless concoction — a tissue of lies stitched together by a serial purveyor of political gossip.”
The rebuttal specifically denied allegations that Atiku engaged in clandestine political bargaining during a recent meeting in Minna. According to the controversial report, the former vice president was said to have been involved in negotiations relating to vice-presidential ticket arrangements, financial contributions amounting to ₦10 billion, zoning considerations, and delegate commitments.
However, Shaibu firmly rejected these assertions, describing them as imaginary and unfounded.
“At no time did former Vice President Atiku Abubakar engage in the imaginary horse-trading described in that laughable script,” he said. “There were no negotiations over vice-presidential tickets. There were no discussions about ₦10 billion contributions. There were no zoning manipulations. There were no delegate-delivery guarantees. And there is certainly no clandestine ‘Dubai meeting’ on any such agenda.”
The statement maintained that Atiku’s political activities are guided by principles and national considerations rather than the transactional politics portrayed in the disputed account. It argued that attempts to associate the former vice president with secretive deal-making were deliberate efforts to damage his reputation.
“The attempt to drag other political actors into this fabricated beer parlour tale does not elevate its credibility; it merely exposes the desperation behind it,” Shaibu stated.
Although the rebuttal did not elaborate on the specifics of the Minna engagement, it emphasized that Atiku’s political consultations are broad-based and transparent. The former vice president, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007, remains active in national discourse and continues to engage with stakeholders across the country.
Shaibu described the publication as “insider fiction,” alleging that it was crafted to distract from substantive political issues and create unnecessary controversy.
“The story is not insider information. It is insider fiction — manufactured to mislead, distract, and provoke,” he said.
The statement further criticized what it described as a pattern of political sensationalism, suggesting that some individuals seek relevance through controversial and unverified narratives.
“It is unfortunate that certain individuals, long deprived of credibility and political gravitas, now attempt to manufacture relevance by inventing tales around serious national figures,” Shaibu said. “Falsehood may trend for a moment, but it collapses under the weight of truth.”
The rebuttal also sought to distance Atiku from any suggestion of engaging in secret financial inducements or transactional arrangements, asserting that his political career has been anchored on open engagement and national development.
“Atiku Abubakar does not transact politics in secrecy, bribery, or transactional desperation as mischievously and irresponsibly portrayed,” the statement added. “He remains focused on principled engagement and national redemption — not backroom theatrics designed by attention-seekers.”
The aide concluded by urging members of the public to disregard the publication and treat it with skepticism.
“We advise the public to treat the publication with the contempt it deserves,” Shaibu said.
The development comes amid heightened political activity and realignments ahead of future electoral cycles. Political observers note that as consultations intensify, speculation and unverified reports often circulate, sometimes fueling tensions among key actors.
While the individuals mentioned in the original publication have yet to publicly comment, the swift response from Atiku’s camp underscores the sensitivity surrounding political negotiations and public perception.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders are likely to face increased scrutiny over meetings and alliances, particularly as preparations gather momentum for upcoming electoral contests. For now, Atiku’s media team maintains that the allegations are baseless and that the former vice president remains committed to transparent and issue-driven political engagement.
