Atiku distances self from pro-Ribadu photograph, messages

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dissociated himself from a purported photograph of him canvassing for votes for Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the PDP governorship candidate in Adamawa.

The denial is contained in a statement issued by Atiku’s Deputy Head of Media, Mr Paul Ibe, on Friday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the circulation of a photograph showing Atiku carrying a banner asking for votes for Ribadu was a fraud done out of malice.

It said the banner in question was the one held by Atiku canvassing for votes for Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun during the last governorship election in the state in 2014.

``The imperative of voting for the APC in the next line of election in the country on April 11 is a virtue that I am firmly committed to, and to which I urge all Nigerians to give unwavering support.

``The purported photograph of me canvassing for votes for the PDP in the Adamawa governorship election is a fraud done out of outright malice.

``I did not and will never call for support for any candidate of the PDP.

``The photograph that is being circulated is the photo shop copy of my photograph that called for votes for the Osun state governor in 2014 gubernatorial election in that state,’’ it read.

Atiku said his commitment to support and canvass for votes for APC, not only in Adamawa but in all elections, ``is a virtue that I will urge all Nigerians to follow’’.