Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to claims by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo that appointing Atiku as his deputy was a major mistake. Atiku contends that this hostility stems from his opposition to Obasanjo’s failed third-term presidential bid years ago.
Through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku recounted his personal history with the former President. He stated that he provided financial and emotional support to Obasanjo’s family while the latter was imprisoned. Furthermore, Atiku noted that upon Obasanjo’s release, he provided him with clothes, food, and the necessary resources to rebuild his life before facilitating the political path to his presidency.
Atiku emphasized that he remains proud of his decision to uphold the Nigerian Constitution by opposing the third-term agenda. He stated that he views Obasanjo’s current resentment as a badge of honor, asserting that the supremacy of the Constitution must outweigh individual ambitions.
Addressing the timing of these attacks, Atiku questioned why Obasanjo chose this moment to revisit old grievances instead of focusing on Nigeria’s current economic struggles. He referenced praise from figures like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala regarding his past economic management, contrasting it with Obasanjo’s recent negative remarks. Atiku concluded by stating that while Obasanjo is free to hold personal grievances, he should not attempt to rewrite historical facts to suit a narrative of bitterness.
