Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has launched a blistering counterattack on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, declaring that he helped rebuild the ex-leader’s life after prison and played a crucial role in his rise to the presidency.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused Obasanjo of trying to rewrite history out of personal bitterness, insisting that Nigerians know the truth behind their long-running political feud.
Atiku said he remains proud of leading the resistance against Obasanjo’s controversial third-term agenda, describing it as one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“I am proud that I stood against the third-term agenda. I chose Nigeria over personal loyalty. I have no apology for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy,” he declared.
According to Atiku, if Obasanjo’s anger stems from his refusal to support an unconstitutional extension of power, then he wears that resentment “as a badge of honour.”
He argued that the battle was never about two powerful politicians but about protecting Nigeria’s Constitution and preserving democracy for future generations.
Atiku also pointed to recent praise from World Trade Organization Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who described the economic team he led during the Obasanjo administration as the best Nigeria has ever had.
He suggested Nigerians should judge for themselves whether it was mere coincidence that Obasanjo attacked him barely a day after receiving such public recognition.
The former Vice President then made explosive claims about Obasanjo’s past, saying he stood by him during his imprisonment, supported his family and worked tirelessly for his release.
Atiku further claimed that when Obasanjo regained his freedom, he had little to his name.
“I received him, clothed him, ensured he was properly cared for and gave him every support needed to regain his footing. I mobilised political structures, built alliances and made enormous personal and political sacrifices that culminated in his emergence as President,” Atiku said.
Despite everything, Atiku said he has no regrets about helping Obasanjo, insisting that acts of kindness should never be treated as business transactions.
However, he warned that gratitude should not be replaced with what he described as deliberate attempts to rewrite history.
The ADC presidential candidate expressed disappointment that, with Nigeria battling economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment, a former president was choosing to revisit old political battles instead of offering solutions.
He stressed that the 2027 general election should focus on rebuilding the country rather than settling personal scores.
While insisting he had remained silent for years out of respect for Obasanjo and the office he once held, Atiku warned that his restraint should never be mistaken for weakness.
“Chief Obasanjo is entitled to his opinions. He is entitled to his personal grievances. What he is not entitled to are his own facts,” he said.
Atiku maintained that his focus remains on Nigeria’s future, declaring that history cannot be rewritten by bitterness and that Nigerians will ultimately judge both men by their records.
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