Atiku Fires Back at Obasanjo, Says He Clothed and Supported Former President

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has hit back at former President Olusegun Obasanjo over recent remarks describing him as the biggest mistake of his presidency, claiming that he stood by Obasanjo during his most difficult years and even clothed and supported him after his release from prison. Atiku said the former president's latest criticism was driven by lingering resentment over the collapse of his alleged third-term agenda.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he watched Obasanjo's recent interview "with sadness rather than anger." Recalling their history, he stated that he supported Obasanjo's family while the former military ruler was imprisoned and remained loyal throughout the campaign for his release. According to Atiku, when Obasanjo regained his freedom, he had little to his name, prompting him to provide financial and personal support.

"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," Atiku said.

Responding to Obasanjo's claim that choosing him as vice president was his greatest regret, Atiku insisted he had no regrets over opposing the controversial third-term agenda during their administration. He maintained that defending the Constitution against any attempt to extend presidential tenure beyond two terms was one of the proudest moments of his political career.

"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," he declared.

Atiku argued that if Obasanjo's continued hostility stemmed from his refusal to support an unconstitutional tenure extension, he would wear that resentment "as a badge of honour." He also cited recent commendation by the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for the economic management team he led as vice president, questioning why Obasanjo was now attempting to diminish his contributions.

The former vice president expressed disappointment that the public exchange was taking place at a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic hardship, unemployment and insecurity. While stressing that he had remained restrained out of respect for the office Obasanjo once occupied, Atiku insisted that historical facts should not be distorted by personal grievances, saying history, and Nigerians, would ultimately judge both men fairly.