Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent criticism, claiming he supported and cared for Obasanjo after his release from prison.
Atiku’s reaction comes days after Obasanjo described choosing him as his running mate in 1999 as the “greatest mistake” of his life.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he received Obasanjo’s comments with sadness, insisting that history tells a different story.
According to Atiku, he stood by Obasanjo during his imprisonment, supported his family, and continued to assist him after his release.
“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,” Atiku said.
He further claimed that Obasanjo had little after leaving prison and that he personally helped him rebuild his life.
“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,” he added.
Atiku also dismissed suggestions that he regrets opposing Obasanjo’s alleged third-term agenda, insisting he acted to protect Nigeria’s democracy.
“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,” he said.
The former vice president argued that his disagreement with Obasanjo was never personal but was about defending the country’s constitutional order.
He also referenced comments by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who recently praised the economic management team he led, saying such recognition contrasts with Obasanjo’s latest criticism.
While expressing disappointment over the former president’s remarks, Atiku said Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges deserve more attention than reopening old political disagreements.
“Chief Obasanjo is entitled to his opinions… What he is not entitled to are his own facts. History is stubborn. It cannot be rewritten by bitterness,” Atiku stated.
