​Atiku to Obasanjo: I Clothed You After Prison,No Regrets Stopping Third Term

​ABUJA — Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has launched a blistering counter-offensive against former President Olusegun Obasanjo, declaring that no amount of personal resentment can alter the historical records of their political journey.

​The sharp exchange follows Obasanjo’s recent public remarks in Lagos during a book presentation, where he reportedly described his decision to pick Atiku as his running mate in 1999 as the biggest mistake of his presidency.

​In a strongly worded statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed profound sadness rather than anger at what he termed a failed attempt to rewrite history.

​The Prison Years and Political Ascension

​Reminiscing on the foundational days of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, Atiku laid bare the personal sacrifices he made to secure Obasanjo’s freedom and subsequent rise to power.

​”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,” Atiku stated.

​He added that upon Obasanjo’s release, when the former military ruler had virtually nothing to his name, he received, clothed, and cared for him, subsequently mobilizing political structures and alliances that culminated in Obasanjo’s emergence as president.

​”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,” he noted.

​The Third-Term Battle

​Atiku made it clear that the root of Obasanjo’s lingering hostility stems from his staunch opposition to the controversial third-term agenda, which sought to subvert the Constitution for personal ambition.

​”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,” Atiku fired back. “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.”

​Economic Legacy and 2027 Focus

​Highlighting the contrasting testimonies surrounding their administration’s economic credentials, Atiku pointed to recent commendations from World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who recently praised the economic management team he led as the best in Nigeria’s history.

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​Atiku lamented that while international and domestic stakeholders continue to recognize those prosperous years, Obasanjo remains bent on diminishing them. He urged political figures to channel their energy toward solving Nigeria’s current economic hardship, insecurity, and mass unemployment rather than recycling old grudges ahead of the 2027 general elections.

​”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 concluded.

​Atiku Abubakar Officially Joins ADC

​This video provides additional context regarding Atiku Abubakar’s political realignment and transition to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.