The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has said he stood by former President Olusegun Obasanjo during his imprisonment, supported his family, helped him regain stability after his release and worked for his emergence as president.
This was revealed by Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, Phrank Shaibu, in a press release dated 1 August 2026. He said he decided to speak after Obasanjo’s recent remarks about him, insisting that important parts of their shared political history should not be ignored.
READ RELATED NEWS
Obasanjo regrets Atiku partnership, Calls VP choice his greatest error
Tinubu correcting damage caused by Atiku’s privatisation — Presidency
Atiku’s Service-Wide Vote claim draws sharp APC rebuttal over 2027 election funding allegation
Recall that Obasanjo recently said choosing Atiku as his running mate was his greatest mistake. Atiku’s response followed this comment by Obasanjo, believing that it was an incomplete account of their relationship and political journey.
Atiku noted that the disagreement also touched on events surrounding the failed third term bid and his decision to defend the Constitution, insisting those issues should be remembered accurately.
Atiku recounts support for Obasanjo
Nigerians, Atiku affirmed, should remember what happened before Obasanjo returned to power in 1999. He said he stood with the former president throughout his prison years, looked after his family and joined other patriots who worked for 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 . . .,” he said.
He also said Obasanjo had very little after leaving prison. Atiku said he received him, provided clothing, made sure he was cared for and gave every support needed to help him settle back into public life.
The former vice president also claimed that he mobilised political structures, built alliances and made personal and political sacrifices that eventually contributed to Obasanjo’s election as President of Nigeria.
Atiku said he had no regrets about those 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, however, maintained that appreciation should not give way to attempts to present past events differently.
Atiku said that if Obasanjo’s political journey is ever written without selective recollection, his own role would be recognised as one of those who helped change the course of the former president’s life and political career.
Former vice president defends constitutional stand
Atiku also repeated that he was proud of opposing the third term agenda during the Obasanjo administration. He said his decision was based on loyalty to the Constitution and Nigeria.
He said no person, regardless of position or achievements, is greater than the country, maintaining that the Constitution must always come first. He also said the campaign against the proposed third term was about protecting Nigeria’s democracy and not about personal rivalry.
The former vice president said democracy prevailed and that history had already settled that chapter.
Atiku also referred to comments made less than a day before Obasanjo’s remarks by World Trade Organization Director General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who praised the economic management team he led and described it as the best Nigeria had experienced.
He said respected Nigerians who served at the highest level continued to acknowledge the work of that team, even though Obasanjo chose not to recognise his contribution.
Atiku also expressed disappointment that former leaders were still exchanging grievances when Nigerians were dealing with economic hardship, unemployment and insecurity.
He said the 2027 election should focus on rebuilding the country, improving security, reviving the economy and giving hope to younger Nigerians.
He said he had stayed silent over the years out of respect for Obasanjo and the office he once occupied, but insisted that silence should not be mistaken for weakness.
Atiku insisted he had no interest in a public quarrel with the former president, but would not allow what he called falsehoods, half truths and attempts to rewrite history to go unanswered.
He affirmed that history could not be changed by bitterness and that Nigerians would ultimately judge the facts.
For More News Details, Visit the New Daily Prime.
