Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent criticism of him, insisting that history cannot be rewritten to suit personal narratives.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described Obasanjo’s remarks as another failed attempt to distort the history of their political relationship.
The response came a day after Obasanjo said his decision to pick Atiku as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election was the biggest mistake of his presidency. The former president made the remark during a fireside conversation with veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, at the unveiling of Charly Boy’s foundation and memoir in Lagos.
Reacting, Atiku said he remained proud of his decision to oppose the controversial third-term agenda during the Obasanjo administration, stressing that his loyalty was to Nigeria’s Constitution rather than any individual.
“I am proud that I stood against the third-term agenda. I stood by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and have no regrets for frustrating every attempt to undermine our democracy for personal ambition,” he said.
According to the former vice president, if Obasanjo’s resentment was rooted in his refusal to support the alleged constitutional amendment for a third term, he considered such criticism a badge of honour.
Atiku also recalled supporting Obasanjo during his imprisonment under the military regime, claiming he stood by the former president, assisted his family and worked with others to secure his release.
He further stated that after Obasanjo regained his freedom, he provided both personal and political support, including helping him rebuild and mobilising political structures that contributed to his emergence as president in 1999.
Despite the deterioration of their relationship, Atiku said he had no regrets about assisting Obasanjo.
“When God gives you the opportunity to help another person, you do so without expecting repayment. Acts of kindness are matters of conscience, not transactions,” he said.
The former vice president also referenced recent comments credited to World Trade Organisation Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, saying they reflected recognition of his contributions to the economic management team during the Obasanjo administration.
Atiku argued that while others continue to acknowledge his role in government, Obasanjo appears determined to diminish his contributions.
He urged political leaders to focus on addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship, instead of revisiting old political disagreements.
“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 stated.
Atiku concluded by saying he had remained silent out of respect for Obasanjo and the office he once held but would no longer ignore what he described as repeated distortions of history.
“History is stubborn. It cannot be rewritten by bitterness or erased by repeated falsehoods. In the end, history and the Nigerian people will deliver their verdict,” he said.