₦airaland Forum

PRESS STATEMENT

I Chose Nigeria, Democracy Over And Above Obasanjo: Atiku Reveals Why Former President Is Unforgiven, Vindictive

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has said that former President Olusegun Obasanjo's latest public outburst against him is yet another failed attempt to rewrite history, insisting that no amount of bitterness can erase either the constitutional stand he took against the infamous third-term agenda or the pivotal role he played in Chief Obasanjo's personal and political journey.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he watched the former President's interview with profound sadness, not anger, because it reflected the disposition of a man who has allowed personal resentment to cloud historical truth.

Atiku said the genesis of Chief Obasanjo's hostility towards him is well known to Nigerians.

"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."

Atiku noted that the struggle against the third-term agenda was never about two individuals but about preserving Nigeria's constitutional democracy for future generations.

"The Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict."

The former Vice President said it was therefore unfortunate that the same man whose unconstitutional ambition was resisted now seeks to sit in judgment over those who defended the Constitution.

Atiku said it was particularly instructive that barely twenty-four hours before Chief Obasanjo's latest outburst, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, publicly paid glowing tribute to the economic management team he led, describing it as "the best Nigeria has ever had."

"Whether or not the timing is merely coincidental is for Nigerians to judge. What is beyond dispute, however, is that while distinguished Nigerians who served at the highest levels continue to acknowledge my contributions to one of Nigeria's most successful periods of economic management, Chief Obasanjo appears determined to diminish them."

"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."

Atiku further stated that Nigerians also deserve to remember the other side of history which Chief Obasanjo conveniently omits.

"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."

Atiku said he harbours no regrets over any of those acts.

"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."

He added, however, that gratitude should never be replaced with revisionism.

"If the true history of Chief Obasanjo's political journey is ever written—free from selective recollection and personal bitterness—Atiku Abubakar will feature prominently as one of those whom God used to change the course of his life and political career."

The former Vice President expressed disappointment that, at a time when Nigeria is battling economic hardship, mass unemployment, insecurity and widespread despair, a former President would devote so much energy to recycling old grudges instead of contributing solutions to the country's challenges.

"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."

Atiku said he had deliberately maintained restraint over the years out of respect for the office Chief Obasanjo once occupied and in deference to the relationship they once shared.

"That restraint should never be mistaken for weakness or docility."

"There comes a point when silence in the face of repeated distortions of history ceases to be a virtue. While I have no desire to engage in a public quarrel with a man I once stood beside in his most difficult moments, neither will I permit falsehoods, half-truths and calculated attempts to rewrite history to go unanswered."

"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 reaffirmed that his attention remains firmly fixed on Nigeria's future.

"I have chosen the path of service over resentment, vision over vendetta and national renewal over personal recrimination. Those who mistake my civility for capitulation, or my restraint for weakness, make a grave mistake.

"History is stubborn. It cannot be rewritten by bitterness, nor erased by repeated falsehoods. In the end, history will render its verdict—and so will the Nigerian people."

Signed:
Phrank Shaibu
Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria 1999-2007 and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress.
1st August, 2026.


Previous Thread:
Picking Atiku As Vice President Greatest Mistake Of My Life – Obasanjo

Now I very much understand why former President Obasanjo likes Peter Obi so much. Obasanjo is using Peter Obi for a proxy war against Atiku’s presidential bid 😆😆.
You stop my third term bid, I stop your presidential ambition. In as much as Obi is contesting, Atiku’s votes will be badly affected

I don't know why.. but something compels me to believe Atiku's side of the story.
The Former Vice-President might have his shortcomings, but I don't think he is as bad as his former principal wants us to believe.

Amotolongbo:
Now I very much understand why former President Obasanjo likes Peter Obi so much. Obasanjo is using Peter Obi for a proxy war against Atiku’s presidential bid 😆😆.
You stop my third term bid, I stop your presidential ambition. In as much as Obi is contesting, Atiku’s votes will be badly affected

Many of you on here are evolving into smart political analysts.. really smart line of thought.

Atiku and OBj are both elders statesman. They should respect themselves

This, in mortal combat, is what we call fatality! It's all facts though. Obasanjo was merely brought out of prison to become president in compensation to the SW for June 12. He didn't have any say or input in the campaign finance as well as the political structure that made him president. It was all Atiku. The Southwest didn't even vote for him. They voted for Olu Falae. He became president with Southeastern votes and Northern votes largely from the Shehu Yar'adua structure that Atiku inherited. Obasanjo should forever be indebted to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Waziri of Adamawa.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/how-atiku-saved-obasanjo-from-near-bankruptcy-before-he-emerged-president/amp/

flokii:
I don't know why.. but something compels me to believe Atiku's side of the story.
The Former Vice-President might have his shortcomings, but I don't think he is as bad as his former principal wants us to believe.

Atiku has only always being a victim of propaganda. None of his traducers have anything against him. He has always been a victim of his liberality and pan-Nigerianism even in the North. But 2027 will be the year where the real story will be told. It's Atiku's time!

Amotolongbo:
Now I very much understand why former President Obasanjo likes Peter Obi so much. Obasanjo is using Peter Obi for a proxy war against Atiku’s presidential bid 😆😆.
You stop my third term bid, I stop your presidential ambition. In as much as Obi is contesting, Atiku’s votes will be badly affected

Don't bet on that. Northerners will largely vote Atiku this time. Unlike in 2023, where 5.6m Northerners voted Tinubu largely due to the workrate of respected Northern figures like Elrufai, whom Tinubu has now betrayed.

AMINDA:
Don't bet on that. Northerners will largely vote Atiku this time. Unlike in 2023, where 5.6m Northerners voted Tinubu largely due to the workrate of respected Northern figures like Elrufai.

Are they not voting Obi again or you are conceding a defeat for Obi already?

Amotolongbo:
Are they not voting Obi again or you are conceding a defeat for Obi already?

Obi will get substantial votes from the North too. He will wipe the floor with Tinubu in the South, just like in 2023. The margins will determine the eventual winner. By the time the embargo on campaigns is lifted, it will become clear to Tinubu and his lackeys that they have no momentum.

Indirectly Atiku is saying Obasanjo is an ingrate. I love that gbas gbos

This Obasanjo is a pathetic human..
Very petty old man, always looking for problems


He should go back and look at his picture after prison, he will be thankful.

After all these years, Atiku is yet to learn a single thing in politics. Someone should shut the geriatric up or maybe take away the pen he is using to reply Obj, Obj has no ambition again, so playing in the mud is not a big deal for him unlike Atiku.

Btw, I pray Atiku never wins 2027 or 2031 presidential election.

ajailer:
After all these years, Atiku is yet to learn a single thing in politics. Someone should shut the geriatric up, Obj has no ambition again, so playing in the mud is not a big deal for him unlike Atiku.

Wrong. Unlike in previous electoral cycles, public opinion is against Obasanjo this time. He has failed to write his tribesman a letter like he did to Jonathan and Buhari, thereby exposing his bias.

Atiku always fighting a lost battle.
He has always come to contest at the wrong time.
The genesis of his problems with Obasanjo.

to be honest, i wished obasanjo would come third term, cos when i saw health of yar adua, i knew if the worse happened, good luck wont be experienced to hold government,after which we would be in turmoil like we currently are. i knew wolves were waiting for obasanjo tenure to end to cause pain.98 percent of all my parents and their colleagues own as state workers, the houses, cars and good account were made possible by obasanjo. we were suffering till obasanjo came, increased standard of living by 500 percent Through salary increase and low tarriff l, hence people wey never ever think of driving car come begin drive car, build houses. any person wey don dey at least 17 years knows that by when abacha died to when abubakir come bring minimum wage to 3500k naira from 1k, then obasanjo come increase am well for everyone

Finally Atiku is fighting back

Its long overdue

Obasanjo own too much sef

Be like say these old thieves won entertain us during this August break

AMINDA:
Obi will get substantial votes from the North too. He will wipe the floor with Tinubu in the South, just like in 2023. The margins will determine the eventual winner. By the time the embargo on campaigns is lifted, it will become clear to Tinubu and his lackeys that they have no momentum.

Bro, are we discussing real election or online election?

I'm glad Atiku is finally responding. This back and forth will be a long one

Eba50:
to be honest, i wished obasanjo would come third term, cos when i saw health of yar adua, i knew if the worse happened, good luck wont be experienced to hold government,after which we would be in turmoil like we currently are. 8 knew wolves were waiting for obasanjo tenure to end to cause pain.98 percent of all my parents and their colleagues own as state workers, the houses, cars and good account were made possible by obasanjo

wasnt that obasanjo's plan all along
Because nigerians rejected 3rd term, he wanted to come in through back door

Atiku was so bad and the worst decision Bab ever made, yet Baba wanted him to rule Nigeria alongside ultra dull Agulu Merlin!!

Terrible.

Soap opera for the idle mind. Nothing concern me. I get job to focus on.

Amotolongbo:
Now I very much understand why former President Obasanjo likes Peter Obi so much. Obasanjo is using Peter Obi for a proxy war against Atiku’s presidential bid 😆😆.
You stop my third term bid, I stop your presidential ambition. In as much as Obi is contesting, Atiku’s votes will be badly affected

Why should Obasanjo hate the country that has been so favourable to him since he joined the army several decades ago

Amotolongbo:
Now I very much understand why former President Obasanjo likes Peter Obi so much. Obasanjo is using Peter Obi for a proxy war against Atiku’s presidential bid 😆😆.
You stop my third term bid, I stop your presidential ambition. In as much as Obi is contesting, Atiku’s votes will be badly affected

You get it now. That thing they say the enemy of my enemy is my friend

One of the reasons I always depend on God and not man.

Mr clother, why are you so pained. You don't need Obj to become president, you can use the children you always dance with as your tool.

BOTH OF THEM ARE A COMPLETE NAWRAW

flokii:
I don't know why.. but something compels me to believe Atiku's side of the story.
The Former Vice-President might have his shortcomings, but I don't think he is as bad as his former principal wants us to believe.

He definitely is as bad as Obasanjo states but Obasanjo is just as bad if not much worse.

Atiku is NOT smiling again ooooo


But.. why will people from SW always believe they have the audacity to talk down on people and when you return the salvo equitably they start shouting RESPECT YOUR HOSTs nonsense?

OBASANJO is definitely not a saint...

If they are all afraid of Atiku like this ...it means Atiku knows alot about all their dirty dealings.

I wish PO and ATIKU and Kwankwaso were on the same platform, but God Knows best.

All I know for a fact is that anybody but TINUBU is OK.

Atiku has been contesting for the Presidency for 33 years.

He has done everything he possibly can do to Obasanjo. He has lobbied OBJ, begged him, ass licked him, all to no avail.

At this point, Atiku is tired and doesn't give a damn about OBJ anymore. He doesn't care what anyone or OBJ thinks about him

He just wants to contest, lose and close this political journey