Atiku Fires Back at Obasanjo: “I Helped Rebuild Your Life and Political Career”

…Defends Third-Term Stance

Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has launched a strong rebuttal to former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his recent comments, accusing the former leader of attempting to rewrite history while defending his own role in Nigeria’s democratic and political development.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Obasanjo’s latest public remarks reflected “personal resentment” rather than historical truth, insisting that he remains proud of his opposition to the controversial third-term agenda during the Obasanjo administration.

According to Atiku, his refusal to support any attempt to amend the Constitution for a third presidential term was a principled stand in defence of Nigeria’s democracy.

“I am proud that I stood against the third-term agenda. I am proud that I stood by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have no apology whatsoever for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy for personal ambition,” he said.

The former Vice President maintained that the battle against the third-term agenda was not about personal rivalry but about protecting Nigeria’s constitutional order, adding that history had already vindicated those who resisted the move.

Atiku also referenced recent commendation from the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who reportedly described the economic management team under the Obasanjo administration as one of the best Nigeria had ever assembled.

He argued that such recognition underscored his contributions to the country’s economic progress despite attempts to diminish his record.

In one of the strongest parts of the statement, Atiku recalled his relationship with Obasanjo during the latter’s imprisonment, claiming he stood by the former military ruler, supported his family, worked for his release and helped him regain his footing after leaving prison.

He further claimed that he provided personal support and mobilised political structures and alliances that contributed significantly to Obasanjo’s emergence as President in 1999.

“I received him, clothed him, ensured he was properly cared for and extended every support necessary to help him regain his footing,” Atiku stated, adding that he had no regrets over his actions because helping others was a matter of conscience.

However, he cautioned against what he described as attempts to replace gratitude with revisionism, insisting that any objective account of Nigeria’s political history would acknowledge his role in Obasanjo’s political journey.

The former Vice President also expressed disappointment that, amid Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges, public discourse was being dominated by old political disagreements instead of discussions on national development.

He stressed that the 2027 general election should focus on rebuilding the country, improving security, reviving the economy and restoring hope to Nigerians rather than revisiting past political conflicts.

Atiku said he had maintained restraint for years out of respect for Obasanjo and the office he once occupied but declared that continued distortions of history could no longer go unanswered.

While affirming that Obasanjo was entitled to his opinions, Atiku insisted that “he is not entitled to his own facts.”

He concluded by saying his focus remained on Nigeria’s future, adding that history would ultimately judge the contributions of all those involved.

The statement was signed by Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar