Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday faulted recent remarks by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, saying his former principal was attempting to distort history over their long-standing political differences.
Atiku, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said Obasanjo's latest comments were driven by personal resentment, insisting that he had no regrets for opposing the controversial third-term agenda during the former President's administration.
The former vice-president maintained that his opposition to the constitutional amendment was in defence of Nigeria's democracy, stressing that he would always choose the country's constitution over personal loyalty.
"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," Atiku was quoted as saying.
According to him, the battle against the proposed third term was not a personal contest but a struggle to preserve constitutional democracy, adding that history had already vindicated those who resisted the move.
Atiku also claimed that recent commendation of his administration's economic management by the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, underscored what he described as the achievements of the economic team he led while serving as vice-president.
He argued that while other prominent Nigerians continued to acknowledge his contributions to governance, Obasanjo appeared determined to diminish his role in the administration.
The former vice-president further claimed that he played a significant role in Obasanjo's political comeback after the latter regained his freedom from prison, alleging that he supported him personally and politically before the 1999 presidential election.
"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. Beyond that, I mobilised political structures, built alliances and made enormous personal and political sacrifices that culminated in his emergence as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," he alleged.
Despite the disagreements between them, Atiku said he did not regret assisting the former president, insisting that acts of kindness should not be repaid with attempts to rewrite history.
He, however, expressed disappointment that political disputes were dominating public discourse at a time Nigeria was grappling with economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment, urging political leaders to focus on providing solutions ahead of the 2027 general election.
"The 2027 election should be about rebuilding Nigeria, restoring security, reviving the economy and giving hope to the next generation—not reopening old political wounds," he said.
Atiku added that he had remained silent over the years out of respect for Obasanjo and the office he once occupied but would no longer allow what he described as repeated distortions of history to go unanswered.
The statement, dated August 1, 2026, was signed by Shaibu.If Obasanjo's interview or response is available, the story can also be balanced further by incorporating his comments for a more complete newspaper report.
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