Atiku Fires Back at Obasanjo, Says Opposing Third Term Is a Badge of Honour

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s claim that choosing him as running mate in the 1999 presidential election was the biggest mistake of his presidency, describing the remark as another attempt to rewrite history.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he believes Obasanjo’s criticism is rooted in his refusal to support the former president’s controversial third term agenda.

According to Atiku, standing against the proposed constitutional amendment remains one of the defining moments of his political career.

“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.

“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. No individual, regardless of his status or accomplishments, is bigger than the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Constitution is supreme, and I chose Nigeria over personal loyalty,” the statement read.

Atiku maintained that his opposition to the third term bid was driven by a commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democracy and constitutional order.

He also reflected on his relationship with Obasanjo, stating that he stood by the former president during his imprisonment, supported his family, worked for his release, and contributed to rebuilding his political career.

Despite the eventual breakdown of their alliance, Atiku said he has no regrets about the role he played, insisting that defending Nigeria’s democratic principles was more important than preserving personal or political relationships.

The exchange follows Obasanjo’s remarks on Friday, where the former president described selecting Atiku as his vice president in 1999 as the biggest mistake of his political career.