Atiku Fires Back at Obasanjo, Says He Supported Former President Before 1999 Presidency
Atiku Fires Back at Obasanjo, Says He Supported Former President Before 1999 Presidency
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent criticism, saying he stood firmly by the former Nigerian leader during some of the most challenging periods of his life and political career.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he watched Obasanjo’s remarks with disappointment rather than anger. The former Vice President claimed that he supported Obasanjo and his family while the former military ruler was in prison and continued to assist him after his release, alleging that he ensured Obasanjo was clothed, cared for and politically supported before his emergence as Nigeria’s president in 1999.
Atiku’s response followed Obasanjo’s recent comments in which the former president described choosing Atiku as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the greatest mistake of his political career. Obasanjo said he later became dissatisfied with Atiku’s conduct after they assumed office.
The ADC presidential candidate also dismissed suggestions that he regretted opposing the controversial third-term agenda during the Obasanjo administration. He insisted that his decision was guided by his commitment to Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles, maintaining that no individual should be placed above the country’s constitutional order.
Defending his record in government, Atiku argued that he played a significant role in the economic reforms implemented during the Obasanjo administration. He added that historical records and the testimonies of former officials who served in the administration would ultimately determine the contributions made by both leaders.
The renewed exchange has revived public attention on the long-standing political rivalry between the two former allies, whose relationship deteriorated after years of working together in government. Their latest war of words comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
