- APC’s Fani-Kayode: Atiku is Sick…
- PDP: It’s a Lie, He is in UK for Meetings
The health status of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has triggered controversies and concerns as reports emerged on Sunday suggesting he is currently receiving medical treatment in an undisclosed hospital in the United Kingdom (UK).
The controversies came to the fore after a report on Sunday, claimed Atiku had been flown to London, United Kingdom for treatment as he is currently battling a terrible illness.
An unnamed source who spoke with an online medium confirmed that the illness is the reason Atiku is not yet back to Nigeria to resume his campaign activities ahead of the February 23, presidential election.
“Atiku is not feeling fine; he is in the hospital receiving treatment. That’s why he is not back in Nigeria for the presidential campaign.
“He was in Dubai but has now left Dubai for London for treatment. He has been flown to the UK for treatment. That is why he is still abroad,” the unnamed PDP source was quoted as saying.
The speculations were further fuelled by the assertion made by the Director of Special Projects and New media of the Tinubu/Shettima presidential campaign Council, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, saying Atiku is currently in UK for a ‘stich it up’ medical treatment.
“Yet again Mr. Privatise Everything fell dangerously ill & ran to Dubai for a “stich it up” procedure. Watch how he walks & you will know what’s going on. Now he is on his way to the UK to beg British MP’s for their support. Must he bend the knee for the Brits too? Truly shameful,” Fani-Kayode tweeted on Sunday.
In a tweet, Fani-Kayode, also a former aviation minister, had earlier alleged that Atiku collapsed after arriving in Abuja from his rally in Kaduna State.
He claimed Atiku was flown to Paris, France for medical care after complaining of pain all over his body.
“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 had tweeted.
However, debunking the reports, the media adviser to Atiku, Mr Paul Ibe, said the PDP candidate will on Monday, arrive in London, dismissing speculations of his principal ill health.
According to Ibe, Atiku will be in London on Tuesday for a strategic meeting with the representatives of the British government.
Taking to his verified Twitter handle @omonlakiki, Ibe said, “For the avoidance of doubt, presidential candidate of the PDP and former Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) will be arriving in London on Monday, January 9 for meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday on the invitation of the British government.”
Also, the PDP presidential campaign spokesperson, Dino Melaye took to his official twitter handle to dismiss the reports saying, “Disregard the lies of unrepentant liars. Atiku is 100% fit and in super form healthwise. The British Government invited the leading presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, just like they had invited Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi earlier.”
