Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of resurrecting unfounded allegations against him. He claims this is to advance the political fortunes of Obasanjo’s “kinsman” ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku made the allegation while reacting to Obasanjo’s recent claim that he financed an impeachment plot against him during their time in office. The former president had alleged that Atiku handed the late Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba N5 million to commence impeachment proceedings.
Atiku dismisses accusation as politically motivated
Responding through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku dismissed the accusation as politically motivated. He said it was an attempt to tarnish his reputation at a critical moment in Nigeria’s political cycle.
“Coming at a time when the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election is taking shape, the obvious objective is to besmirch my person and reputation and confer an undeserved political advantage on the former President’s kinsman,” Atiku said.
Although Atiku did not identify the individual he referred to as Obasanjo’s kinsman, he maintained that Nigerians could see through the recycled political accusations.
Atiku links criticism to third-term opposition
The former vice-president linked the renewed criticism to his resistance against Obasanjo’s controversial third-term agenda. He said his decision to oppose any constitutional amendment that would have extended Obasanjo’s tenure became the foundation of their strained relationship.
“My offence was that I stood firmly against the unconstitutional third-term agenda,” he stated. “As a democrat, I chose the path of constitutionalism and the rule of law.”
He added that he defended the Constitution and successfully asserted his rights through the courts. He described those battles as now part of Nigeria’s democratic history.
Atiku urges Obasanjo to declare political position openly
Atiku said his priority remained addressing Nigeria’s current challenges rather than engaging in disputes over past events. He listed economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and hunger as issues demanding national attention.
He also said Obasanjo is free to support any candidate of his choice for the 2027 election. However, he urged him to do so openly instead of reviving allegations that can no longer be independently verified.
“If former President Obasanjo has chosen to take a political position ahead of 2027, he should simply declare it and allow Nigerians to judge it on its merits,” he said.
He added that his political focus remains on providing credible alternatives and defending democratic values.
