Obasanjo Lacks Electoral Strength, Arewa Made Him President, Says Atiku

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s electoral strength, saying northern voters were instrumental to his emergence as president in 1999.

Atiku made the statement while speaking with journalists on Wednesday amid a renewed war of words between the two former political allies.

“In 1999, he could not even win his own state or the South-West; it was Arewa that made him President. He possesses no electoral value,” Atiku said.

The former vice president was reacting to recent comments by Obasanjo, who described his decision to choose Atiku as his running mate in 1999 as the “biggest mistake” of his presidency.

Obasanjo had also accused his former deputy of disloyalty and involvement in an alleged attempt to impeach him during their administration between 1999 and 2007.

Atiku rejected Obasanjo’s account, accusing the former president of rewriting history and attempting to use their past political relationship for political advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said he supported Obasanjo after his release from prison and helped build the political structure that contributed to their victory in the 1999 presidential election.

The former vice president also defended his record in office, highlighting opportunities he said he created for young Nigerians during his tenure.

He said several beneficiaries of those opportunities had gone on to become governors, ministers, directors and other public office holders.

Atiku, who is seeking the presidency on the ADC platform, promised that his administration would continue to create opportunities for young Nigerians if elected in 2027.