Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed as false reports circulating on social media claiming he donated a brand-new Toyota SUV to a naval officer involved in a recent confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, described the viral claim as “entirely fabricated” and urged the public to disregard it.
“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007), did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerima — or any other individual — a brand new Toyota SUV, contrary to the false reports currently circulating on social media,” Ibe stated. “The story is completely untrue and should be disregarded by members of the public.”
The false claim, which began trending on Facebook on Wednesday, alleged that Atiku rewarded the naval officer, Lt. Yerima, for standing up to Wike during an altercation over a disputed plot of land in the Gaduwa District of Abuja.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, was captured in a viral video showing Wike engaging in a heated exchange with Yerima, who reportedly insisted he was protecting naval property.
The confrontation drew widespread reactions across the country, with many Nigerians commenting on the conduct of both men. Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), was among those who weighed in, stressing the need for restraint and respect for institutional authority.
Atiku’s camp said the former Vice President remains focused on issues of national development and unity, not on social media controversies.
“The attempt to link Atiku Abubakar to this matter is a clear case of political mischief aimed at distracting the public from real issues,” the statement added.
The former Vice President has in recent weeks been a target of misinformation online, with his media team repeatedly warning Nigerians against the spread of fake news.
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