Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has responded strongly to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent remarks describing his appointment of Atiku as vice president as his greatest regret.
Atiku dismissed the comments as an expression of lingering bitterness over his opposition to Obasanjo’s controversial third-term agenda, insisting that his stance was driven by a commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democracy and constitutional order.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he watched Obasanjo’s recent interview with sadness rather than anger, stressing that history would always prevail over personal sentiments.
The former Vice President recalled the role he played during Obasanjo’s imprisonment, stating that he remained unwavering in his support for the former military Head of State and his family throughout the difficult period.
According to Atiku, he actively worked alongside other patriots to secure Obasanjo’s release and continued to support him after he regained his freedom.
“History records that while Chief Obasanjo was in prison, I stood firmly by him. I supported his family, worked tirelessly with other patriots for his release and never wavered in my belief that he deserved his freedom.
“When he eventually regained his freedom, he had little to his name. I received him, clothed him, ensured he was properly cared for and extended every support necessary to help him regain his footing,” Atiku stated.
Addressing the long-standing controversy surrounding the failed third-term agenda, Atiku maintained that he remains proud of his decision to resist any attempt to alter the Constitution for personal political ambition.
“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 ADC presidential candidate further declared that if Obasanjo’s continued hostility was rooted in his refusal to support an unconstitutional extension of tenure, he would gladly wear such resentment as “a badge of honour.”
According to him, the battle against the third-term agenda was never a personal disagreement but a defence of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, adding that history has already vindicated those who protected the nation’s Constitution.
Atiku also referenced recent remarks by the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who reportedly described the economic management team he led during the Obasanjo administration as one of the most effective in Nigeria’s history.
He questioned the timing of Obasanjo’s criticism, arguing that while respected Nigerians continue to acknowledge his contributions to the country’s economic reforms, the former President appears determined to diminish those achievements.
“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.
Atiku stressed that he holds no regrets over the support he once extended to Obasanjo, describing acts of kindness as responsibilities of conscience rather than transactions that demand repayment. However, he cautioned against what he described as attempts to rewrite history through personal grievances.
He further expressed disappointment that a former President would choose to revisit old political disagreements at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, rising unemployment and worsening insecurity.
According to him, national discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections should be focused on rebuilding the country and addressing the challenges facing citizens rather than reopening old political wounds.
While noting that he had exercised restraint over the years out of respect for the office Obasanjo once occupied, Atiku stated that such restraint should not 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.
“History is stubborn. It cannot be rewritten by bitterness, nor erased by repeated falsehoods. In the end, history will render its verdict—and so will the Nigerian people,” Atiku concluded
