Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent criticism of him, insisting that he has no regrets over his role in stopping the controversial third-term agenda during Obasanjo’s administration.
Atiku, through a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described Obasanjo’s remarks as another attempt to rewrite history, while defending his decision to prioritise Nigeria’s Constitution over personal loyalty.
The reaction followed Obasanjo’s statement on Friday in Lagos, where he described his decision to choose Atiku as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the biggest mistake of his presidency.
Obasanjo made the comment during a fireside conversation with veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, at the public presentation of Charly Boy’s foundation and memoir, 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.
Responding, Atiku said he remained proud of his opposition to the third-term proposal, arguing that his stance helped protect Nigeria’s democratic values.
“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.
“If Chief Obasanjo’s bitterness stems from my refusal to support an unconstitutional third term, then I wear that resentment as a badge of honour. No individual, regardless of his status or accomplishments, is bigger than the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Constitution is supreme, and I chose Nigeria over personal loyalty,” Atiku said.
The former vice-president maintained that the struggle against the third-term agenda was not a personal battle between him and Obasanjo, but a fight to preserve constitutional democracy.
“The Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict,” he added.
Atiku also rejected claims that he played an insignificant role in Obasanjo’s political journey, recalling his support for the former president during his imprisonment and after his release.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“Beyond that, I mobilised political structures, built alliances and made enormous personal and political sacrifices that culminated in his emergence as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Atiku said he had no regrets about supporting Obasanjo despite the eventual breakdown of their relationship.
“Do I regret helping Chief Obasanjo? Absolutely not. When God gives you the opportunity to lift another human being, you do so without expecting repayment. Acts of kindness are matters of conscience, not commercial transactions,” he said.
He, however, insisted that appreciation should not be replaced with what he described as historical revisionism.
“Gratitude should never be replaced with revisionism.”
The former vice-president also referenced recent remarks by the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who he said acknowledged the achievements of the economic management team he led.
“Whether or not the timing is merely coincidental is for Nigerians to judge. What is beyond dispute, however, is that while distinguished Nigerians who served at the highest levels continue to acknowledge my contributions to one of Nigeria’s most successful periods of economic management, Chief Obasanjo appears determined to diminish them,” Atiku said.
He criticised Obasanjo for focusing on past disagreements at a time Nigeria is facing economic difficulties, insecurity and unemployment.
“The 2027 election should be about rebuilding Nigeria, restoring security, reviving the economy and giving hope to the next generation—not reopening old political wounds,” he said.
Atiku added that while he had previously remained silent out of respect for Obasanjo and the office he once held, he could no longer ignore what he called distortions of history.
“There comes a point when silence in the face of repeated distortions of history ceases to be a virtue.
“Chief Obasanjo is entitled to his opinions. He is entitled to his personal grievances. What he is not entitled to are his own facts.”
Concluding his statement, Atiku said his focus remained on Nigeria’s future rather than past political disputes.
“I have chosen the path of service over resentment, vision over vendetta and national renewal over personal recrimination.
“History is stubborn. It cannot be rewritten by bitterness, nor erased by repeated falsehoods. In the end, history will render its verdict—and so will the Nigerian people,” he added.
