How I clothed, supported Obasanjo after he left prison – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he personally provided food, clothing and other support for former President Olusegun Obasanjo after his release from prison, claiming the ex-president had very little at the time.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he reacted to Obasanjo’s recent interview with sadness rather than anger.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the claim while responding to Obasanjo’s recent remark that appointing him as vice president was the greatest regret of his life.

He also alleged that the former president’s latest criticism was driven by resentment over the failure of his third-term bid.

He recounted his relationship with the former president, saying he remained loyal to him during his imprisonment by supporting his family and campaigning for his freedom. According to Atiku, he continued assisting Obasanjo after his release before joining others to build the political coalition that eventually brought him to power.

“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.

Obasanjo recently said his biggest regret was choosing Atiku as his deputy during his administration.

Responding further, Atiku said:

“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 said that if Obasanjo’s criticism was linked to his opposition to a third-term agenda, he would accept it as “a badge of honour,” maintaining that the Constitution takes precedence over the ambitions of any individual.

Atiku argued that resisting the third-term plan was a fight to protect Nigeria’s democracy rather than a personal dispute with Obasanjo, adding that history had already vindicated those who defended the Constitution.

He also referred to comments by the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whom he said recently described the economic management team he headed as one of the country’s best. He questioned why Obasanjo chose this period to launch fresh criticism against him.

“Whether or not the timing is merely coincidental is for Nigerians to judge. What is beyond dispute, however, is that while distinguished Nigerians who served at the highest levels continue to acknowledge my contributions to one of Nigeria’s most successful periods of economic management, Chief Obasanjo appears determined to diminish them,” he said.

Atiku said he did not regret the support he gave Obasanjo, insisting that acts of kindness should not be viewed as transactions that demand repayment. He, however, cautioned against attempts to distort historical events.

He further expressed concern that a former president was revisiting past disagreements while Nigerians continue to face economic hardship, unemployment and insecurity. According to him, national attention should be on rebuilding the country ahead of the 2027 general election instead of reviving old political conflicts.

Atiku added that he had exercised restraint over the years out of respect for the office Obasanjo once held, but said there were limits to that restraint.

“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.”