Atiku Fires Back at Obasanjo Over ‘Biggest Mistake’ Remark

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has responded sharply to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently described choosing Atiku as his running mate in 1999 as the biggest mistake of his presidency. In a statement issued by his media aide Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused Obasanjo of attempting to “rewrite history” out of bitterness over past political disagreements, notably the defeated third-term agenda.

Atiku defended his opposition to the controversial third-term bid, stating, “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.” He emphasized that he chose “Nigeria over personal loyalty” to preserve the nation’s constitutional democracy.

Addressing their history together, Atiku recounted how he stood by Obasanjo during his imprisonment, supported his family, and played a crucial role in his political comeback after his release. While stating he harbors no regrets for assisting him, Atiku maintained that “gratitude should never be replaced with revisionism.” He further criticized Obasanjo for “recycling old grudges” instead of addressing current national challenges, concluding that “what he is not entitled to are his own facts.”