Uthman had hoped that after his speech in which he had explained his position, and offered full defense for his actions, the false propaganda against him would cease. As the conspiracy against him was deep rooted there was no diminution in the virulence of the campaign against him. That was because the agitation against Uthman was not being led on the basis of any principles; it was prompted by ulterior motives to overthrow his Government. In Madina, Muhammad b Abu Bakr, 'Aamir b Yasir, and 'Amr b Al 'Ass whipped up the vilification campaign against Uthman, and fed the people on false tales about the atrocities committed on the people of Egypt. In a fit of revengeful fury, 'Amr b Al'Aas declared that he would inflame even the shepherds of the desert to rise against Uthman.
As the politics of Egypt figured most in the propaganda against the caliphate, Uthman summoned Abdullah b Sa'ad the Governor of Egypt to Madina to consult him as to the course of action to be adopted. Abdullah b Sa'ad came to Madina leaving the charge of the affairs in Egypt to his deputy. In the absence of Abdullah b Saad, Muhammad b Abu Hudhaifa staged a coup d'etat and captured power in Egypt. On hearing of the revolt in Egypt, Abdullah hastened back to Egypt. Uthman was not in the position to give him any military assistance. Abdullah b Sa'ad accordingly failed to recapture power in Egypt. He was warned by Muhammad b Abu Hudhaifa not to enter Fustat. Failing to muster sufficient support, Abdullah b Sa'ad retired to Ramlah where he died two years later.
