Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has rejected former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticism of him, describing the remarks as another attempt to rewrite the history of their political relationship. Atiku insisted that he stood by Obasanjo during his imprisonment, supported him after his release and played a significant role in his emergence as Nigeria’s President in 1999.

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In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku responded to Obasanjo’s claim that choosing him as running mate in the 1999 presidential election was the greatest mistake of his presidency. The former vice-president defended his decision to oppose the alleged third-term agenda during the Obasanjo administration, saying his actions were guided by loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution rather than personal interests. “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,” Atiku stated.

Recalling their political history, Atiku said he remained loyal to Obasanjo while the former military ruler was in prison, supporting his family and working for his release. He further claimed that after Obasanjo regained freedom, he provided him with personal and political support, mobilised political structures and built alliances that contributed to his victory in the 1999 presidential election. Despite the breakdown of their relationship, Atiku said he had no regrets about helping Obasanjo, stressing that acts of kindness should not be viewed as commercial transactions.

The former vice-president also referenced comments reportedly made by the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, praising the economic management team under the Obasanjo administration, saying they reflected continued recognition of his contributions. He argued that Nigeria’s focus should now be on addressing insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship ahead of the 2027 elections rather than revisiting old political disputes. “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,” Atiku said.