Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly defended his opposition to the controversial third-term agenda, declaring that no amount of bitterness can erase his role in protecting Nigeria’s democracy.
The position was outlined in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, in response to recent remarks by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“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,” Atiku said. “I make no apology whatsoever for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy for personal ambition.”
Atiku accused Obasanjo of attempting to rewrite history, insisting that his opposition to the tenure extension bid was a principled stand rooted in constitutional order rather than personal disloyalty.
“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… is bigger than the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Constitution is supreme,” he added.
The former vice president described the defeat of the third-term agenda as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, stressing that “the Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle.”
He also referenced remarks by the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who recently praised the economic management team of the Obasanjo administration, noting that his contributions during that period remain widely acknowledged.
Atiku further recalled his past support for Obasanjo, including efforts during the former president’s imprisonment and his role in rebuilding his political career, saying history would ultimately reflect those contributions.
“History records that while Chief Obasanjo was in prison, I stood firmly by him… I mobilised political structures… that culminated in his emergence as President,” he said.
Despite the exchange, Atiku said he has no regrets about his past actions, emphasizing that acts of support should not be transactional.
He warned against what he described as attempts at historical revisionism, insisting that “history is stubborn” and cannot be altered by repeated claims.
The former vice president also urged political leaders to focus on pressing national issues, including economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment, rather than revisiting past grievances ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The 2027 election should be about rebuilding Nigeria… not reopening old political wounds,” he said.
Atiku maintained that his past silence on Obasanjo’s criticisms was out of respect but said he would no longer allow what he described as distortions of history to go unchallenged.
“Chief Obasanjo is entitled to his opinions… What he is not entitled to are his own facts,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to national development, stating that his focus remains on Nigeria’s future rather than personal disputes.
The development adds to rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, as key actors continue to shape the national conversation.
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Atiku defends his stand against third-term agenda, accuses Obasanjo of rewriting history, and urges focus on Nigeria’s challenges ahead of 2027 polls.
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Atiku Abubakar, Obasanjo, third term agenda Nigeria, Nigeria politics 2027, ADC candidate, democracy Nigeria, political history Nigeria
