Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo‘s recent criticism, insisting that he has no regrets over opposing the controversial third-term agenda during their years in office.
He also defended his role in Obasanjo’s political journey. According to Atiku, he stood by the former military ruler during his imprisonment and after his release, adding that history cannot be rewritten.
The response followed Obasanjo’s remarks on Friday. The former president described choosing Atiku as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the biggest mistake of his presidency.
Atiku defends third-term opposition
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described Obasanjo’s latest remarks as another attempt to rewrite history.
He maintained that he had no regrets for opposing the third-term agenda. He insisted that his loyalty was to the Nigerian Constitution rather than any individual.
“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.”
The former vice president said he would gladly accept any criticism arising from his opposition to an unconstitutional third term.
“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.”
According to Atiku, the battle against the third-term agenda was never about two individuals. Instead, it was about protecting Nigeria’s constitutional democracy for future generations.
“The Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict.”
Atiku recalls support for Obasanjo
Atiku also challenged Obasanjo’s assessment of their relationship. He said history records that he played an important role in the former president’s political comeback.
According to him, he remained loyal to Obasanjo throughout his imprisonment. He added that he worked with other patriots to secure 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.”
The former vice president also claimed that he supported Obasanjo after his release. He said he helped him regain stability and mobilised political structures that contributed to his emergence as president.
Despite the deterioration of their relationship, Atiku said he had no regrets about offering that support.
“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.”
Atiku shifts focus to Nigeria’s future
The former vice president also referred to recent comments by the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. He said her remarks acknowledged the contributions of the economic management team he led.
He argued that Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges deserve greater attention than old political disagreements.
According to Atiku, the 2027 general election should focus on rebuilding the country. He said the priority should be restoring security, reviving the economy and giving Nigerians renewed hope.
He added that although he had exercised restraint out of respect for Obasanjo and the office he once occupied, he would no longer remain silent when confronted with what he described as repeated distortions of history.
“Chief Obasanjo is entitled to his opinions. He is entitled to his personal grievances. What he is not entitled to are his own facts.”
Atiku maintained that his attention remains fixed on Nigeria’s future. He expressed confidence that history and the Nigerian people would eventually deliver their verdict.
Read also: Obasanjo says choosing Atiku as vice president was his biggest mistake
