By Akinwale Kasali
The renewed war of words between African Democratic Congress, ADC, Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar and former President Olusegun Obasanjo is getting more messier bh the day.
Atiku, on Wednesday, took a swipe at Obasanjo, and reminded him of the the pivotal role the North played in his emergence as President in 1999.
Atiku said tge North propped him up when it was seen that s
his former boss did not have the electoral strength to win even his own State, not to talk about the entire South-west during the 1999 Presidential election.
Atiku stressed that “In 1999, he (Obasanjo) could not even win his own State or the South-West; it was Arewa that made him President. He possesses no electoral value,” Atiku said.
The Adamawa State born politician made this assertion while speaking with journalists on Wednesday amid his untidy political relationship with Obasanjo and their respective roles in the former president’s emergence in 1999.
The latest exchange is part of a renewed dispute between the former president and his former deputy. Both have traded accusations over their political relationship and events surrounding the 1999–2007 administration.
Recall that Obasanjo had described his decision to choose Atiku as his running mate in 1999 as the “biggest mistake” of his presidency, while accusing the former vice president of disloyalty and involvement in an alleged attempt to impeach him.
Responding to Obasanjo’s submission, Atiku rejected the former President’s account, accusing him of rewriting history and attempting to use the past for political advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.
He had also defended his role in the administration, saying he supported Obasanjo after his release from prison and helped build the political structure that facilitated their victory in 1999.
Highlighting his track record of creating opportunities for young Nigerians during his tenure as vice president, Atiku stated that more of this is certain if he emerges as President in 2027.
He said some of those who benefited from such opportunities had gone on to become governors, ministers, directors, and other public officeholders.
Atiku promised that if elected president in 2027, his administration would continue to create opportunities for young Nigerians to serve and take up leadership positions.
The former Vice President is seeking the Presidency on the platform of the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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