Atiku breaks silence on Obasanjo’s ‘biggest mistake’ remark

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo over comments describing him as the biggest mistake of his presidency.

Obasanjo made the remark on Friday during the launch of Charly Boy’s foundation and memoir in Lagos, where he said choosing Atiku as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election was his greatest political mistake.

In a statement released on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku dismissed the comments as an attempt to rewrite history.

He said he remains proud of opposing the controversial third-term agenda during the Obasanjo administration, insisting he chose to defend Nigeria’s Constitution instead of supporting personal ambition.

According to Atiku, he has no apology for helping to stop any attempt to extend Obasanjo’s time in office beyond the constitutional limit.

He said if Obasanjo is still upset because he refused to support a third term, he accepts that criticism with pride.

Atiku stressed that no individual is greater than Nigeria and that protecting democracy was more important than personal loyalty.

He added that the fight against the third-term plan was not about personal rivalry but about preserving Nigeria’s democracy for future generations.
The former vice president also defended his role in Obasanjo’s political return after prison.

He said he stood by Obasanjo while he was in detention, supported his family, and worked with others to secure his release.

According to Atiku, after Obasanjo regained his freedom, he helped him rebuild his life and provided the support needed for his political comeback.
He also claimed he mobilised political structures, formed alliances, and made personal sacrifices that contributed to Obasanjo becoming Nigeria’s president in 1999.

Atiku said he does not regret helping the former president despite the breakdown of their relationship.

He explained that helping others should not be based on the expectation of being rewarded, but added that gratitude should not be replaced with attempts to change history.

The former vice president also referred to recent comments by World Trade Organisation Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who, according to him, praised the economic management team he led while serving in government.

He argued that while respected Nigerians continue to acknowledge his contributions to the country’s economic progress, Obasanjo appears determined to downplay his achievements.

Atiku further expressed disappointment that, at a time when Nigeria is struggling with economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment, the former president is focusing on old political disagreements instead of offering solutions.

He said the 2027 general election should focus on rebuilding the country, improving security, reviving the economy and giving hope to Nigerians rather than reopening past political disputes.

Atiku also said he had remained silent for years out of respect for Obasanjo and the office he once held, but could no longer ignore what he described as repeated distortions of history.

He maintained that everyone is entitled to personal opinions but not to changing established facts.

The former vice president concluded by saying his focus remains on serving Nigeria, promoting national unity and helping build a better future, expressing confidence that history and the Nigerian people will ultimately judge the issues fairly.