Paul Ibe, a media aide to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has challenged Dele Alake and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide evidence to support allegations linking Atiku and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to an alleged conspiracy involving a disputed letter, manipulated videos and newspaper reports.
In a post on his X handle on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Ibe criticised Alake’s account of the allegations, arguing that it lacked verifiable evidence to establish the alleged involvement of Atiku or the ADC.
He maintained that circulating a published report did not prove that Atiku or the ADC authored the disputed letter, arranged the production of deepfake content or deliberately planted reports in the media.
Ibe argued that the allegations required concrete proof, insisting that anyone claiming a document had been forged should identify the evidence supporting that conclusion. He also called for technical evidence to substantiate claims that video footage had been manipulated.
The former vice-president’s aide further questioned attempts to discredit footage purportedly showing public dissatisfaction ahead of a rally, suggesting that allegations of artificial intelligence manipulation should not be used to dismiss unfavourable reactions without verification.
He maintained that Nigerians should be allowed to assess authentic and verified footage independently rather than accept claims of manipulation without supporting evidence.
Ibe also shifted attention to the APC’s handling of the country’s economic and security challenges, urging the ruling party to focus on insecurity, hunger and the rising cost of living instead of directing attacks at Atiku.
According to him, political accusations would do little to ease the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, arguing that the government should prioritise issues affecting citizens’ daily lives.
He concluded by reiterating his demand for evidence to support the allegations, maintaining that a press statement alone could not establish the truth of the claims it contained.
He wrote on X: "Dele Alake has written an entire conspiracy thriller on behalf of the APC-PCC with one essential ingredient missing: evidence.
"Where is the proof that Atiku or the ADC produced the disputed letter, commissioned deepfakes or planted newspaper reports? Sharing a published report does not establish authorship of a conspiracy. If the letter is forged, establish who forged it. If footage is manipulated, demonstrate the manipulation. Accusations are not evidence, however loudly repeated.
"More revealing is the attempt to discredit footage of public resentment before the rally even begins. Has the APC already decided that any applause is authentic but any disapproval must be artificial intelligence?Nigerians can judge verified footage for themselves.
"The APC should spend more time explaining its record on insecurity, hunger and living costs. Calling Atiku names will not put food on anyone’s table. Produce your evidence. Your press statement cannot serve as its own proof."
