Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has responded to recent remarks by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing them as another failed attempt to rewrite history and insisting that his opposition to the controversial third-term agenda remains one of the defining moments of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
In a statement issued on by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he received Obasanjo’s latest public comments with “profound sadness, not anger,” arguing that the former president’s position reflected personal resentment rather than historical facts.
According to Atiku, the root of Obasanjo’s hostility towards him is widely known and stems from his refusal to support the former president’s alleged third-term ambition while they were in office.
“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,” Atiku said.
He added that if Obasanjo’s resentment was a consequence of his refusal to support an unconstitutional extension of tenure, he regarded it as “a badge of honour.”
“No individual, regardless of his status or accomplishments, is bigger than the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Constitution is supreme, and I chose Nigeria over personal loyalty,” he stated.
The former vice president maintained that the battle against the third-term agenda was not about personal rivalry but about protecting Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
“The Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict,” he said.
Atiku argued that it was unfortunate that the same individual whose alleged constitutional ambition was resisted now sought to criticise those who defended the country’s democratic principles.
He also referenced comments made by the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who, according to him, had praised the economic management team under the Obasanjo administration, which he led as vice president.
Atiku said the WTO chief described the team as “the best Nigeria has ever had,” adding that the timing of Obasanjo’s latest criticism, coming less than 24 hours after the commendation, was noteworthy.
“Whether or not the timing is merely coincidental is for Nigerians to judge.
What is beyond dispute, however, is that while distinguished Nigerians who served at the highest levels continue to acknowledge my contributions to one of Nigeria’s most successful periods of economic management, Chief Obasanjo appears determined to diminish them,” he said.
He further maintained that while Obasanjo might choose not to acknowledge his contributions to the administration, historical records and testimonies from those who served in government during the period continued to recognise his role.
Atiku also revisited his relationship with the former president before the latter assumed office in 1999, alleging that he played a significant role in supporting Obasanjo during his incarceration and eventual return to politics.
According to him, he stood by Obasanjo while he was in prison, supported his family, and worked alongside other Nigerians to secure his release.
He further claimed that after Obasanjo regained his freedom, he provided financial and personal support, helped him rebuild politically, mobilised political structures, forged alliances and made personal sacrifices that contributed to his emergence as Nigeria’s president.
Despite the current disagreement, Atiku said he had no regrets over his actions.
“Do I regret helping Chief Obasanjo?
Absolutely not. When God gives you the opportunity to lift another human being, you do so without expecting repayment. Acts of kindness are matters of conscience, not commercial transactions,” he said.
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