By Tekena Amieyeofori
Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar says his clash with former President Olusegun Obasanjo was never personal — it was about defending the Constitution.
In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused Obasanjo of trying to rewrite history with his latest comments, saying the real source of their differences dates back to the controversial third-term bid of the former president.
“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 doubled down, framing the fallout as a badge of honour.
“If Chief Obasanjo’s bitterness stems from my refusal to support an unconstitutional third term, then I wear that resentment 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 said.
According to Atiku, the fight was bigger than both men.
“The Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict.”
He also took a swipe at Obasanjo for now criticising those who resisted the agenda.
The former VP further pointed to timing, noting that just a day before Obasanjo’s outburst, WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised the economic team he led.
“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.
“Chief Obasanjo may choose not to appreciate my role in building one of Nigeria’s most prosperous economic eras, but history has been far kinder. The record speaks for itself, and so do the testimonies of those who worked closely with that administration,” he added.
Atiku then reminded Nigerians of what he called “the other side of the story” — the support he gave Obasanjo when he was in prison.
“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. Beyond that, I mobilised political structures, built alliances and made enormous personal and political sacrifices that culminated in his emergence as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the ADC presidential candidate said.
The presidential hopeful said he has no regrets for supporting his estranged political ally.
“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.”