Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s claim that picking him as his running mate in the 1999 election was the biggest mistake of his presidency.
Reacting to Obasanjo’s comment, Atiku, in a statement issued on Saturday, August 1, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described Obasanjo’s remarks as “another failed attempt to rewrite history.”
He opined that the former Nigerian leader is still angry at him for opposing his third-term bid.
“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.”
Atiku added that the fight against the third-term agenda was about defending Nigeria’s democracy. He also maintained that he stood by Obasanjo during his imprisonment, supported his family, worked for his release, and helped rebuild his political career, stressing that he has no regrets despite the collapse of their relationship.