By SUNTV Global Channel | August 4, 2026
The camp of former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent criticism of Atiku, describing the remarks as politically motivated and strategically timed ahead of another election cycle.
Reacting during an interview on Arise Television, Atiku’s media associate, Olusola Sanni, argued that Obasanjo’s repeated expressions of regret over choosing Atiku as his running mate consistently emerge close to major elections.
According to Sanni, the timing of the former president’s comments suggests they are driven more by politics than by an objective assessment of their past working relationship.
He maintained that repeatedly making the same criticism over the years points to a deliberate political strategy rather than a genuine reflection on history.
Sanni also defended Atiku’s contributions to the Obasanjo administration, recalling that after the 2003 presidential election, Obasanjo publicly acknowledged Atiku’s role in securing their electoral victory and invited him to share in the celebration.
He further argued that continuously condemning a former deputy who served in what he described as one of Nigeria’s most successful administrations does not reflect the conduct expected of an elder statesman.
The response follows comments made by former President Obasanjo, who recently stated that, with the benefit of hindsight, he would not have selected Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election.
Obasanjo said his experience of working with Atiku after assuming office changed his perception, adding that he was grateful the challenges in their relationship did not prevent him from completing his agenda for the country.
The latest exchange adds another chapter to the long-running political rivalry between the two leaders, whose alliance helped usher in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic in 1999 before their relationship deteriorated during Obasanjo’s second term in office.
Their political differences later deepened over policy disagreements and the controversial third-term constitutional amendment, which Atiku opposed.
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