I have no apology for stopping Obasanjo’s third-term bid, says Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has strongly refuted claims made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently called his selection as running mate in 1999 his biggest presidential mistake. Abubakar, in a statement issued by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, described Obasanjo's remarks as a "failed attempt to rewrite history."

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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.

Abubakar proudly defended his stance against Obasanjo's "unconstitutional third term agenda," asserting that he prioritized constitutional democracy over personal loyalty. "I have no apology whatsoever for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy for personal ambition," he stated. He added that if Obasanjo's bitterness stems from this opposition, he wears that resentment as a "badge of honour," emphasizing that no individual is above the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Constitution is supreme.

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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 former vice-president framed the battle against the third-term agenda not as a personal conflict, but as a fight to preserve Nigeria's constitutional democracy for future generations. He declared that "the Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict."

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The battle against the third-term agenda was never about two individuals but about preserving Nigeria’s constitutional democracy for future generations. The Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict.

Furthermore, Abubakar highlighted his crucial role in Obasanjo's political resurgence. He recalled standing by Obasanjo during his imprisonment, supporting his family, and working for his release. Abubakar also detailed how he mobilized political structures, built alliances, and made significant personal and political sacrifices that led to Obasanjo's emergence as president.

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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.