Obasanjo Fabricated Allegations Against Me to Favour His Kinsman in 2027 — Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of fabricating allegations against him to advance the political interests of his kinsman ahead of the 2027 general election.

Although Atiku did not identify the individual, the accusation follows Obasanjo’s recent public comments concerning political events that unfolded during their time in office.

On Thursday, Obasanjo alleged that Atiku provided the late Ghali Umar Na’Abba, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, with ₦5 million to commence impeachment proceedings against him during his first term as president.

The former president made the claim while responding to remarks by former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba regarding political developments preceding the 2003 general election.

According to Obasanjo, Atiku privately met with Na’Abba and persuaded him that he should serve only one presidential term, encouraging him to initiate impeachment proceedings.

Obasanjo further claimed that the alleged meeting and payment were documented by his then Chief of Staff, whom he described as a professional intelligence officer.

Reacting through a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku dismissed the allegation as politically motivated.

He argued that the timing of the accusation, coming as political alignments for the 2027 elections begin to emerge, suggests an attempt to damage his reputation and influence public perception.

“Coming at a time when the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election is taking shape, the obvious objective is to besmirch my person and reputation,” Atiku said.

The former vice-president maintained that Nigerians are discerning enough not to be distracted by what he described as recycled allegations.

Atiku also linked Obasanjo’s latest comments to the long-standing disagreement between them over the former president’s controversial third-term agenda.

He said his decision to oppose constitutional amendments that would have extended Obasanjo’s tenure remains one of the defining moments of Nigeria’s democratic history.

According to him, his legal victories against the administration affirmed his commitment to constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

Atiku added that he would not be distracted by historical political disputes while Nigerians continue to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and hunger.

He urged Obasanjo to openly support any preferred candidate for 2027 rather than relying on allegations against political opponents, insisting that the late Na’Abba can no longer verify the claims made against him.