JUST IN: ATIKU ABUBAKAR FINALLY BREAKS SILENCE ON RIFT WITH OBASANJO, MAKES SHOCKING REVELATIONS

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has explained why he opposed former President Olusegun Obasanjo during their time in office, insisting that his actions were driven by a commitment to Nigeria's democracy rather than personal rivalry.

In a statement released on Friday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku responded to Obasanjo's recent criticism, stating that he has no regrets for resisting what he described as attempts to undermine Nigeria's constitutional democracy.

According to the former vice president, his opposition to Obasanjo stemmed from his refusal to support the controversial third-term agenda, which he said would have violated the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

Atiku maintained that defending democratic principles was a responsibility he willingly accepted, declaring that he remains proud of standing against any attempt to extend presidential tenure beyond constitutional limits.

He added that if Obasanjo's continued criticism is rooted in his opposition to the third-term project, he considers it a badge of honour.

Atiku also reflected on their political history, claiming he played a significant role in Obasanjo's return to national politics after the latter's release from prison.

According to him, he provided support and helped mobilise political structures that contributed to Obasanjo's emergence as Nigeria's president. He argued that such contributions should not be erased through what he described as attempts to rewrite history.

The former vice president further referenced recent remarks by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who reportedly described the economic management team under the Obasanjo administration, in which Atiku played a leading role, as one of Nigeria's strongest.

Atiku suggested that such recognition reinforces the positive legacy of their administration despite ongoing political disagreements.

Expressing disappointment over the renewed exchange, Atiku said Nigeria's leaders should devote more attention to pressing national issues, including economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment, rather than revisiting old political disputes.

He stressed that while Obasanjo is entitled to his opinions, his own silence over the years should not be mistaken for weakness.

The renewed public exchange between the two former leaders has once again revived discussions about the political tensions that defined the closing years of the Obasanjo administration, particularly over the controversial third-term debate that shaped Nigeria's democratic history.

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