Obasanjo's Allegations Against Atiku Will Collapse, Says Aide

Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has accused ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo of employing political allegations for electoral gain, asserting that these claims will not withstand scrutiny. Ibe's statement, posted on Facebook, countered Obasanjo's recent comments alleging that Abubakar had mobilized the late former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, to initiate impeachment proceedings against Obasanjo during their time in office (1999-2007).

Describing the allegation as baseless, Ibe accused Obasanjo of repeatedly raising accusations against Abubakar during election periods. He pointed out that Na’Abba, who passed away in 2023, could no longer respond to the claim. However, Ibe referenced former House of Representatives member Abubakar Bawa Bwari, who served as Chief Whip at the time. According to Ibe, Bwari disputed Obasanjo's account, stating that Na’Abba did not seek Obasanjo's removal and that Abubakar had acted as an emissary to lawmakers on behalf of the former President.

Ibe also contested accounts of the 2003 presidential nomination process within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He referred to a video featuring former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Kalu. In the video, Kalu reportedly stated that Abubakar knelt before PDP governors to secure their support for Obasanjo's re-election. Ibe quoted Kalu as saying Abubakar expressed a desire not to betray Obasanjo, despite some PDP governors favoring Abubakar for the presidency. The aide further addressed the controversy surrounding the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) before the 2007 general elections, noting that Abubakar submitted to investigation over allegations related to the fund after temporarily relinquishing his immunity. Ibe insisted these allegations were politically motivated due to Abubakar's opposition to Obasanjo's reported bid for a third term.

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Obasanjo’s campaign of lies, political manipulation and orchestrated deceit falling apart like a pack of cards.