Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has launched a blistering attack on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, declaring that the ex-president's victory in the 1999 election was largely secured by votes from northern Nigeria and that Obasanjo "possesses no electoral value" . The former vice president made the remarks on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while responding to Obasanjo's recent criticism of their political relationship and his role in the emergence of the former president as Nigeria's leader in 1999 .
"In 1999, he 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 comments marked a significant escalation in the long-running feud between the two political heavyweights, which has shaped Nigeria's political landscape for more than two decades .
The latest exchange was triggered after Obasanjo described his decision to select Atiku as his running mate in 1999 as the "biggest mistake" of his presidency, while accusing his former deputy of disloyalty and involvement in an alleged attempt to impeach him . Obasanjo also alleged that Atiku paid the late Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na'Abba, N5 million to commence impeachment proceedings against him .
Atiku, however, 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 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 . He also attributed Obasanjo's resentment to his refusal to support the former president's bid for a third term in office, insisting that he chose the Constitution and Nigeria's democratic interests over personal loyalty .
Atiku's senior political aide, Demola Olarewaju, had earlier described the disagreement as political rather than personal, arguing that Obasanjo did not want Atiku to become president . The feud has also been linked to the fragmentation of the ADC-led opposition coalition, with reports indicating that Obasanjo's opposition to Atiku influenced Peter Obi's exit from the party . Shehu Sani, a former Kaduna Central Senator, described the long-running rivalry as a conflict that may endure until one of the two political heavyweights passes away, noting that the feud began when Gen Zs were in nursery school and continues even after they have graduated and married .
Atiku, who is seeking the presidency on the ADC platform after joining forces with other opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, also highlighted his record of empowering young Nigerians during his tenure as vice president . He said some of those who benefited from such opportunities had gone on to become governors, ministers, directors, and other public officeholders, and promised that if elected president in 2027, his administration would continue to create opportunities for young Nigerians to serve and take up leadership positions .
As the war of words continues, Atiku has made his position unmistakably clear: he is not intimidated by Obasanjo's influence, and he will not allow the former president's criticism to derail his presidential ambition. "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," he said .
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