Atiku says opposition to Obasanjo’s third-term bid caused political fallout

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said his opposition to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s controversial third-term agenda was responsible for the breakdown in their political relationship.

Atiku made the remark while responding to Obasanjo’s recent claim that choosing him as running mate in the 1999 presidential election was the biggest mistake of his political career.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president said he has no regrets over resisting the proposed tenure extension, insisting that his decision was guided by his commitment to constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

According to Atiku, supporting the third-term agenda would have undermined Nigeria’s democratic principles and constitutional order, adding that he chose to defend the country’s democracy despite the political consequences.

He maintained that preserving the Constitution was more important than protecting political alliances, stressing that no leader should place personal ambition above the nation’s democratic values.

Atiku also recalled that he remained loyal to Obasanjo during their years in office and played a significant role in the administration, but insisted that he could not support any move capable of weakening Nigeria’s democracy.

The former vice president accused Obasanjo of attempting to distort history, arguing that his opposition to the third-term proposal helped safeguard the country’s democratic system.

He urged Nigerians to focus on addressing pressing national issues, including insecurity and economic hardship, rather than revisiting political disagreements from the past, adding that the 2027 general elections should be driven by ideas and policies that would improve the lives of citizens.