PDP campaign organisation disowns diaspora group soliciting funds for Atiku

The Atiku Abubakar campaign organisation has distanced itself from a diaspora group seeking funds for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the campaign organisation said a letter is being circulated by Atiku Abubakar Business Supporters in Diaspora (AABSID) to solicit funds from the public.

According to Abubakar’s campaign group, AABSID is “unknown” and has not been authorised to embark on fundraising for the former vice-president.

“The attention of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation (AACO) has been drawn to an undated letter issued under the authority of a ‘Campaign Coordinator/ President’ of a group calling itself the Atiku Abubakar Business Supporters in Diaspora (AABSID),” the statement reads.

“This letter is titled ‘Fundraising Dinner Event for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Presidential Election Campaign 2023’ and, apparently, is being sent to potential donors and members of the general public inviting donations to the presidential campaign of our candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in exchange for unfettered access to Atiku Abubakar, among other promises.

“The Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation hereby notifies the general public, particularly Nigerians in the Diaspora as well as corporate organisations within and outside Nigeria, that the Atiku Abubakar Business Supporters in Diaspora (AABSID) is a body/organisation unknown to our candidate, and neither he nor the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation has authorised any such fundraising event to be held on his behalf nor on behalf of his Campaign Organisation.

“The general public, is hereby, notified that the aforementioned Atiku Abubakar Business Supporters in Diaspora (AABSID) is not in any way affiliated or related to Atiku Abubakar and the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, and has not been mandated or authorised in any way whatsoever to represent the candidate or his campaign in any matter whatsoever.

“In line with the foregoing, any person or organisation dealing with the aforementioned Atiku Abubakar Business Supporters in Diaspora (AABSID) and/or its Campaign Coordinator/President or indeed with any other organization for the purposes of raising funds for our presidential candidate does so at their own risk and responsibility.