Atiku: Obasanjo’s outburst is a failed attempt to rewrite history

Former Vice President of Nigeria and 2027 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s latest public criticism of him as “yet another failed attempt to rewrite history.”

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

—On The Third Term Agenda—

Atiku said the root of Obasanjo’s hostility is well known.

“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.”

He noted that the fight was never about two men, but about democracy. “The Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict.”

—On Economic Record and Okonjo-Iweala’s Testimony—

Atiku said it was instructive that barely 24 hours before Obasanjo’s remarks, WTO Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, described the economic team he led 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.”

—On Their Personal History–

Atiku also recalled how he stood by Obasanjo while he was in prison.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

—On 2027 and His Restraint—

Atiku expressed disappointment that at a time of economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment, a former President would be “recycling old grudges instead of contributing solutions.”

“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 he had maintained restraint out of respect for the office and their past relationship, but warned: “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.

“Chief Obasanjo is entitled to his opinions. He is entitled to his personal grievances. What he is not entitled to are his own facts.”

—Closing—

Atiku said his focus remains 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.”