By Tolulope Oke
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has taken a fresh swipe at former President Olusegun Obasanjo, saying the former leader has no electoral value.
Atiku made the statement while responding to questions from journalists on Wednesday over Obasanjo’s decision not to endorse his 2027 presidential ambition.
The former Vice President said he was not disturbed by Obasanjo’s position, insisting that the former President never possessed the electoral influence being attributed to him.
“In 1999, he could not even win his own state or the Southwest; it was Arewa that made him President. He possesses no electoral value,” Atiku said.
The statement is the latest chapter in the long-running political disagreement between the two former occupants of Nigeria’s highest political offices.
Atiku served as Obasanjo’s Vice President between 1999 and 2007, but their relationship deteriorated during their second term, particularly over Obasanjo’s controversial third-term ambition.
Atiku had previously said his opposition to the third-term bid was based on protecting Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles.
Speaking ahead of the 2027 general election, Atiku also highlighted his record of creating opportunities for young Nigerians during his time as Vice President.
He said several individuals who served under him had gone on to become governors, ministers, directors and other public office holders.
According to him, his administration, if elected in 2027, would continue to provide opportunities for young Nigerians to participate actively in governance.
The ADC candidate is seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 presidential election.
