Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has claimed that he played a significant role in supporting former President Olusegun Obasanjo after his release from prison, saying he provided both personal and political assistance at a time when the former leader had very little. Atiku’s remarks come in response to Obasanjo’s recent comment that one of his greatest political regrets was choosing Atiku as his vice president.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he received Obasanjo’s latest criticism with sadness rather than anger, insisting that the former president’s comments were influenced by lingering resentment over the failure of his controversial third-term agenda.
According to Atiku, he remained loyal to Obasanjo throughout his imprisonment, offering support to his family and working alongside other pro-democracy advocates to campaign for his release. He added that after Obasanjo regained his freedom, he helped him rebuild his life by ensuring he was cared for and providing the support needed for his return to public life.
“History will show that I stood by Chief Obasanjo during his years in prison. I supported his family, worked tirelessly with others for his release, and never lost faith in his freedom. When he was released, he had little to his name. I welcomed him, ensured he was properly cared for and provided every assistance necessary to help him regain his footing,” Atiku said.
Atiku Says He Supported Obasanjo After Prison, Links Criticism to Third-Term Dispute ;Responding to Obasanjo’s criticism, the former vice president maintained that he has no regrets over opposing the former president’s alleged bid for a third term in office. He described his resistance to the proposal as a defence of Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles, insisting that no political ambition should supersede the rule of law.
“I remain proud of my decision to oppose the third-term agenda. I defended the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I make no apology for resisting every attempt to undermine our democracy for personal ambition,” he stated. Atiku argued that if Obasanjo’s continued criticism is rooted in his refusal to support the constitutional amendment, he considers it a badge of honor.
According to him, the battle against the third-term agenda was never about personal rivalry but about protecting Nigeria’s democratic system, adding that history has already vindicated those who defended constitutional order. The former vice president also referenced recent comments by the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who reportedly praised the economic management team that served during the Obasanjo administration.
Atiku questioned why Obasanjo would seek to diminish his contributions despite such recognition from a respected member of the former administration. He said while Nigerians are free to draw their own conclusions about the timing of Obasanjo’s remarks, it is evident that several prominent public figures continue to acknowledge his role in one of the country’s most successful periods of economic management.
Atiku stressed that he has never regretted the support he gave Obasanjo, describing acts of kindness as a matter of personal conviction rather than obligations that require repayment. However, he warned against what he described as attempts to rewrite history or replace gratitude with revisionism.
Expressing disappointment, Atiku said it was unfortunate that a former Nigerian president was revisiting old political disagreements at a time when the country is battling economic hardship, unemployment and widespread insecurity. He argued that national attention should instead be directed towards finding solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges and preparing for the 2027 general elections. Atiku added that he had remained restrained in responding to Obasanjo over the years out of respect for the office he once occupied, but noted that such restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Chief Obasanjo has every right to hold his personal opinions and grievances. What he cannot do is rewrite established facts. History is stubborn. It cannot be altered by bitterness or repeated falsehoods. Ultimately, history—and the Nigerian people—will deliver the final judgment,” he said.
