ADC South-West leaders pledge support for Atiku, deny rift over allowances

Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South-West have reaffirmed their support for the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, while dismissing reports of discontent over alleged unpaid transportation allowances.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s immediate past South-West Zonal Chairman, Rasak Eyiowuawi, described reports that state chairmen and other officials were dissatisfied with Atiku over the alleged failure to provide transportation allowances as misleading, mischievous and politically motivated.

Eyiowuawi said the publication was an attempt by a few individuals to create the 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 said.

He insisted that what he described as the genuine and committed ADC leadership across the South-West remained firmly behind Atiku.

“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 criticised attempts by individuals to present personal grievances as the collective position of ADC stakeholders in the South-West.

He urged those seeking to portray the party as divided not to use the identity of the entire region to advance 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 said.

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 due to 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.

On the alleged disagreement over transportation allowances, Eyiowuawi maintained that genuine concerns should be addressed through the party’s 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.

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