FACT CHECKING: Did Atiku Abubakar Collapse in Abuja?
By Oyewale Oyelola
The Director New Media for APC Presidential Campaign Council and former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, on Monday, October 18, 2022, alleged that Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate for 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar collapsed in Abuja.
Femi Fani-Kayode in a message posted on his Facebook page, said Atiku was flown to Paris for medical care after complaining of dizziness and severe pains in his head.
He writes: “After his outing in Kaduna yesterday @atiku fell ill. He complained of dizzy spells & severe pains in his head & all over his body throughout the flight to Abuja. After landing at Abuja airport, he collapsed. He was flown to Paris for medical attention immediately. God be with him.
“For the purposes of damage control, they took pictures of him with others the following morning from Paris, but please, do not be fooled.
“There is something very wrong with the PDP presidential candidate in terms of his health & they don’t want the Nigerian public to know. Pray for him.”
Fani-Kayode was the only person that shared the story. He could not corroborate his claims with verifiable evidences.
The PDP while reacting to Fani-Kayode’s allegations on Tuesday October 19, 2022, said Atiku travelled to Europe on business.
A statement signed by Media Adviser to Atiku, Paul Ibe, said the “former Vice President travelled last night on a scheduled trip to meet with the technical partners of one of his business entity that was impacted by the Covid-19 global lockdown and the consequent economic downturn”.
The meeting, according to Paul Ibe will also focus on conclusive discussions for a planned expansion of its production facility.
Atiku later returned to Nigeria from France three days later to continue his campaign.
The former Vice President was seen in the company of former Kogi Senator, Dino Melaye and the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel.
He later attended PDP Presidential campaign in Benin, Edo State on Saturday, October 22, 2022.
VERDICT
The claim by Femi Fani-Kayode was FALSE. Atiku Abubakar has not shown sign of illness while returning to Nigeria or at the PDP Presidential Campaign in Benin. Atiku participated actively during the visit to Oba of Benin’s palace and on campaign ground.
The allegations of Femi Fani-Kayode might be another deliberate attempt to spread false information about Atiku Abubakar amidst the ongoing campaigns ahead 2023 general elections.