By our reporter 1.8.2026
Former Vice President African Democratic Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, Atiku Abubakar, said he was proud to have thwarted former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s scheme elongate his tenure.
Atiku was responding to statements by his former boss between 1999 and 2007 that he regretted making Atiku his running mate.
Both men became politically estranged following Obasanjo’s famous bid to convince the National Assembly to amend the constitution to enable him run for a third term in office.
“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.
“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. The Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict.”
The politician further accused Mr Obasanjo of intentionally diminishing his contribution to the country’s economy during his time as the VP.
“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 that he cared for Obasanjo’s needs when he was released from prison in 1998 following his detention for an alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow late dictator Sanni Abacha.
“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.
Obasanjo who became President on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party largely funded by Atiku back then said at a book presentation by Charles Oputa a.k.a Charlie Boy in Lagos:
“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.”