Atiku Replies Obasanjo: ‘I Supported, Fed and Clothed You,’ Defends Stand Against Third-Term Agenda

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has fired back at former President Olusegun Obasanjo, claiming he personally supported the former leader after his release from prison and dismissing Obasanjo’s latest criticism as lingering resentment over the failed third-term agenda.

The response follows Obasanjo’s recent statement that appointing Atiku as his vice president remains his greatest regret.

Reacting in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he viewed the remarks with sadness rather than anger, recalling the role he played in supporting Obasanjo during and after his imprisonment.

“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.

“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,” he said.

Atiku insisted he remained proud of opposing the alleged third-term bid during the Obasanjo administration, describing the move as a defence of constitutional democracy.

“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 said.

He argued that any resentment arising from that episode would remain a “badge of honour,” adding that the Constitution must always take precedence over individual ambition.

According to Atiku, the campaign against the third-term agenda was not a personal dispute but a collective effort to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, saying history had already validated that position.

The former vice president also cited recent remarks by World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who, according to him, commended the economic management team he led as one of the strongest in Nigeria’s history.

He said his assistance to Obasanjo was never offered with the expectation of repayment, but cautioned against replacing gratitude with what he described as revisionism.

Atiku further lamented that political disagreements from the past were being revived while Nigerians continue to grapple with insecurity, unemployment and economic challenges, urging leaders to focus on rebuilding the nation ahead of the 2027 general election.

Concluding his response, Atiku said respect for Obasanjo’s former office had informed his previous restraint, but maintained that historical facts should not be distorted.

“Chief Obasanjo is entitled to his opinions. He is entitled to his personal grievances. What he is not entitled to are his own facts.

“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 stated.

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