Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has launched a sharp response to Olusegun Obasanjo, claiming he fed, clothed and supported the former president after his release from prison. Atiku said the latest attack from his former political partner was driven by lasting anger over his role in opposing the alleged third-term campaign during Obasanjo’s presidency.
The exchange has reopened one of Nigeria’s longest-running political disputes as Atiku campaigns as the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election. Voters should, however, treat the statements as competing political accounts: neither man’s personal claims about their relationship have been independently established in full.
Atiku responded through a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, after Obasanjo described choosing him as vice-president as the greatest mistake he made while in government.
Atiku says he supported Obasanjo after prison
Atiku said he stood by Obasanjo while the former military ruler was imprisoned under the government of General Sani Abacha.
He claimed he supported Obasanjo’s family, worked with others seeking his release and helped him recover after he regained 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 said.
Atiku also claimed he helped build the political alliances that led to Obasanjo’s election as president in 1999.
The pair contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and governed Nigeria together from 1999 to 2007. Their relationship later broke down during Obasanjo’s second term amid disputes over political succession, influence within the PDP and the direction of the government.
New Daily Prime has previously reported on Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential campaign and the opposition struggle within the ADC.
Obasanjo calls Atiku choice his greatest mistake
Obasanjo made his latest comments during a fireside discussion with veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, widely known as Charly Boy, at an event in Lagos.
Asked to identify his biggest mistake while serving as president, Obasanjo pointed to the person he selected as his deputy.
“The man I picked as my running mate, my number two — if I had known him as I came to know him later, I would not have picked him,” he said.
When asked whether he meant Atiku, Obasanjo confirmed that he was referring to his former vice-president. He claimed Atiku’s actions could have damaged his administration or diverted its attention from Nigeria’s interests.
Obasanjo said he was not speaking from bitterness, but Atiku rejected that explanation and accused him of reopening old political grievances.
The former vice-president said Obasanjo was entitled to his opinion but not to what he called a distorted version of events.
Third-term dispute returns to centre of political row
Atiku argued that Obasanjo’s criticism remained connected to the collapse of the controversial third-term project.
The proposal, which dominated Nigerian politics in 2006, would have required a constitutional amendment that might have allowed Obasanjo to seek another term after completing two elected terms.
Obasanjo has repeatedly denied personally directing a campaign to remain in office. Atiku and several other former political figures have maintained that such an effort existed.
Atiku said he had no regrets about opposing it.
“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.
He described any resentment resulting from that decision as a “badge of honour”, arguing that no political leader should be placed above Nigeria’s Constitution.
These remain Atiku’s claims about the motive behind Obasanjo’s criticism. Obasanjo’s latest remarks did not expressly say that the third-term dispute was the reason he regretted choosing Atiku.
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Atiku defends record in Obasanjo government
Atiku also defended his role in the economic management of the Obasanjo administration.
He referred to recent comments attributed to World Trade Organisation Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala about the quality of the government’s economic team.
Atiku suggested the timing of Obasanjo’s attack was questionable because former officials continued to recognise his contribution to the administration’s economic programme.
As vice-president, Atiku chaired the National Council on Privatisation and played a major role in the government’s economic reform programme. His performance in that position has remained contested, with supporters crediting him for reforms and critics questioning parts of the privatisation process.
His political record is likely to face renewed examination as the 2027 campaign develops. New Daily Prime has reported that Atiku’s presidential bid has faced internal opposition and legal uncertainty.
Political feud returns ahead of 2027 election
The dispute comes as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku is seeking another opportunity to lead the country after several previous presidential campaigns. His supporters argue that his national experience and political network make him a strong challenger, while opponents point to his electoral history and long-running disputes with former allies.
The ADC has already faced disagreement over its presidential direction. Some opposition figures have questioned Atiku’s candidacy, while others believe he remains the coalition’s strongest option against the ruling All Progressives Congress.
New Daily Prime previously reported on public debate over whether Atiku, Peter Obi or Rotimi Amaechi should lead the ADC.
Atiku said Nigeria’s political discussion should now focus on unemployment, insecurity and economic hardship rather than old personal conflicts.
He added that his previous restraint towards Obasanjo was based on respect for the office the former president once occupied, but warned that his patience had limits.
“History is stubborn. It cannot be rewritten by bitterness, nor erased by repeated falsehoods,” he said.
The exchange is unlikely to end the dispute between the former leaders. Instead, it may return their troubled eight-year partnership to the centre of the presidential campaign, where both men’s claims and records will face renewed public scrutiny.
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