2027 Election: APC, Atiku Clash Over Alleged Fake News, ₦2.3 Trillion Kaduna Rally Controversy
2027 Election: APC, Atiku Clash Over Alleged Fake News, ₦2.3 Trillion Kaduna Rally Controversy
By Akin Alade
The political battle ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election has taken a fresh dimension as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) exchange accusations over alleged misinformation, campaign spending and public confidence following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna State.
The controversy intensified after the APC Presidential Campaign Council accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the ADC of allegedly coordinating a misinformation campaign designed to undermine the credibility of Tinubu’s re-election campaign. The ruling party claimed that fabricated documents, manipulated images and artificial intelligence-generated materials were being deployed to create negative public perceptions of the President and his political allies.
In a statement issued by the APC Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, Dele Alake, the party alleged that one of the misleading materials was a purported letter from Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to the Director-General of the campaign council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, claiming that the state government had released ₦2.3 trillion to finance the presidential campaign rally. Alake dismissed the document as fabricated, arguing that the alleged expenditure was unrealistic when compared with Kaduna State’s annual budgets.
The APC further alleged that opposition elements circulated misleading information about a security vehicle photographed near a campaign billboard in Kaduna. According to the council, the vehicle was conducting routine patrol duties, but the photograph was allegedly presented as evidence that security personnel had been deployed specifically to protect APC campaign materials. The ruling party also warned about possible circulation of manipulated videos intended to suggest widespread rejection of Tinubu in northern Nigeria.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also joined the controversy, accusing Atiku of becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the APC’s political mobilisation in the North. Keyamo argued that the former Vice President was counting heavily on northern votes to strengthen his presidential ambition and was therefore concerned about Tinubu’s growing political activities in the region. He further alleged that attempts were being made to portray the President’s support as artificially generated through financial inducements.
However, the ADC Presidential Campaign Council rejected the allegations, describing them as an attempt by the ruling party to divert public attention from Nigeria’s economic difficulties. The council’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, challenged the APC to provide credible evidence linking Atiku or the ADC to the alleged forged documents, manipulated photographs and deepfake videos rather than relying on political accusations.
Shaibu maintained that Nigerians were more concerned about rising living costs, food prices, transportation expenses and the economic consequences of government policies than the exchange of accusations between political parties. He argued that the APC should concentrate on explaining its record in government and presenting solutions to the challenges confronting ordinary citizens instead of blaming opposition politicians for negative public reactions.
The ADC also questioned the welfare arrangements for supporters who attended the Kaduna rally, raising concerns about reports that some participants travelled long distances and allegedly spent nights outdoors. Shaibu referred to reports of road accidents involving supporters travelling from Sokoto and Abuja, although details of the reported incidents had not been independently confirmed. He insisted that political mobilisation should prioritise the safety and welfare of participants.
Beyond the immediate dispute, the confrontation reflects the increasing importance of digital communication, political propaganda and public perception in Nigeria’s electoral competition. With artificial intelligence making it easier to produce convincing but misleading images, videos and documents, political parties face growing pressure to substantiate allegations and ensure that campaign information can withstand independent verification.
Political observers believe the disagreement also demonstrates the strategic importance of northern Nigeria in the 2027 presidential contest. Kaduna, as one of the region’s major political centres, provides an important platform for parties seeking to demonstrate their organisational strength and appeal to voters. However, the size of political rallies and the intensity of social media campaigns do not necessarily translate into electoral victories.
As the 2027 presidential election approaches, the APC-ADC confrontation is expected to intensify debates over campaign credibility, political accountability and the use of misinformation in democratic contests. While the ruling party insists that opposition elements are attempting to discredit Tinubu’s re-election campaign, the ADC maintains that Nigerians deserve explanations about the government’s economic performance. Ultimately, the electorate will have to assess the competing claims, policy proposals and leadership records of the presidential candidates before making its decision at the polls.
