- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared he offers no apology for thwarting former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s unconstitutional third-term agenda, stating he proudly chose the Nigerian Constitution over personal loyalty.
- Responding through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described Obasanjo’s recent public remarks as a flawed effort to distort history, reminding the former leader of how he rallied political and financial support for him upon his release from prison.
- The former Vice President urged political leaders to stop reopening old personal grudges and instead concentrate on solving pressing national challenges such as economic distress, rising unemployment, and widespread insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly hit back at his former boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, following remarks by the latter describing his choice of Atiku as running mate in 1999 as the biggest mistake of his presidency.
Eko Hot Blog speaking through a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku defended his political legacy and reiterated that his opposition to Obasanjo’s controversial third-term bid was rooted in a commitment to constitutional democracy rather than personal animosity.
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He emphasized that preserving the rule of law was paramount, asserting that no individual is above the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The former Vice President’s reaction followed comments made by Obasanjo during a fireside chat with activist Charles Oputa (Charly Boy) at a foundation launch in Lagos on Friday, where Obasanjo expressed regret over selecting Atiku as his deputy.
Rebutting those assertions, Atiku recalled standing firmly by Obasanjo during his prison term in the late 1990s, offering material and political backing to rebuild his standing and mobilize the political machinery that eventually led to his presidential election in 1999.
Atiku noted that while he does not regret helping the former leader, political differences over constitutional term limits should not be twisted into historical revisionism.
He cited key figures, including World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who have praised the economic management team he chaired during that administration, contrasting their assessments with Obasanjo’s continued public criticisms.
Concluding his response, Atiku stressed that Nigeria’s present economic realities and security conditions require forward-looking solutions rather than recycled political feuds.
He called for constructive leadership focused on national renewal and economic revitalization as the country prepares for the next electoral cycle.
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