Atiku, Obasanjo’s Feud Will Continue Until One of Them Dies — Shehu Sani

Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has said the long-running political rivalry between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is unlikely to end soon, suggesting it may continue until one of them dies.

Sani made the remark on Saturday in a post on his verified X account while commenting on the renewed exchange of criticism between the two political heavyweights.

According to the former lawmaker, the disagreement between Obasanjo and Atiku has lasted for more than two decades and has become one of Nigeria’s longest-running political feuds.

“The Obj/Atiku feud began when Gen Zs were in nursery and primary school,” Sani wrote.

“It’s continuing even when that generation has graduated from universities, married and had children.

“It’s likely going to continue until one of them is gone, and the other will pay a glowing tribute.”

Using a military analogy, Sani said Atiku initially launched what he described as a “devastating bomb” against his former principal, but had since been on the receiving end of Obasanjo’s “hypersonic missiles.”

The renewed public exchange between the former president and his ex-deputy intensified after Obasanjo recently described his decision to pick Atiku as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the biggest mistake of his political career.

Obasanjo’s comments reignited tensions between the two men, whose relationship deteriorated during their second term in office following disagreements over governance and succession.

In response, Atiku has repeatedly criticised the former president, reopening old political disputes and challenging Obasanjo’s account of events during their years in government.

The two politicians have remained at opposite ends of Nigeria’s political landscape since leaving office, often exchanging public criticisms during election cycles.

Their rivalry has spanned multiple administrations and political parties, surviving several attempts at reconciliation over the years.

Sani’s comments have since generated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians describing the Obasanjo-Atiku relationship as one of the most enduring political feuds in the country’s democratic history.

Despite the continued war of words, neither Obasanjo nor Atiku has indicated any willingness to end the long-standing disagreement.