The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s electoral strength, claiming that he could not win either his home state or the South-West during the 1999 presidential election.
Drivetvnews gathered that Atiku made the remark while speaking with journalists on Wednesday, according to Tribune, amid his renewed public disagreement with Obasanjo over their political relationship and the events surrounding the 1999 election.
The former vice president said Obasanjo’s emergence as president was largely made possible by support from northern Nigeria.
“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 latest exchange is part of a renewed war of words between the two former leaders, who have recently traded accusations over their political relationship and their roles in the administration that governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2007.
The disagreement intensified after Obasanjo described his decision to select Atiku as his running mate in 1999 as the “biggest mistake” of his presidency.
Obasanjo also accused his former deputy of disloyalty and alleged involvement in an attempt to impeach him while they were in office.
Atiku rejected Obasanjo’s account, accusing the former president of rewriting history and attempting to use events from their time in government for political advantage ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former vice president has maintained that he played an important role in Obasanjo’s political journey, claiming that he supported him after his release from prison and helped build the political structure that contributed to their victory in 1999.
Speaking about his plans for the 2027 election, Atiku also highlighted what he described as his record of creating opportunities for young Nigerians during his time as vice president.
He said some young people who benefited from such opportunities had subsequently risen to become governors, ministers, directors and other public officeholders.
Atiku promised that if elected president in 2027, his administration would continue creating opportunities for young Nigerians to participate in governance and assume leadership positions.
The former vice president is seeking the presidency on the platform of the ADC after joining forces with other opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
