Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has strongly rejected recent criticism from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing it as an attempt to rewrite the history of their political relationship.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku insisted that he played a significant role in Obasanjo’s emergence as President in 1999. He also recalled supporting Obasanjo during his imprisonment and after his release.

Atiku maintained that he stood firmly by Obasanjo during difficult times, including offering personal and political support when the former military ruler regained his freedom.

“History records that while Chief Obasanjo was in prison, I stood firmly by him. I supported his family, worked tirelessly with other patriots for his release and never wavered in my belief that he deserved his freedom,” Atiku stated.

He further claimed that upon Obasanjo’s release, he assisted in rebuilding his life and political relevance.

“When he eventually regained his freedom, he had little to his name. I received him, clothed him, ensured he was properly cared for and extended every support necessary to help him regain his footing,” he added.

Atiku also said he mobilised political structures and built alliances that contributed significantly to Obasanjo’s victory in the 1999 presidential election.

The former vice-president used the opportunity to defend his opposition to the controversial third-term agenda during Obasanjo’s administration, stressing that his stance was guided by constitutional principles.

“I am proud that I stood against the third-term agenda. I chose the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over personal loyalty and have no regrets whatsoever,” he said.

He added that if Obasanjo’s criticism stemmed from his refusal to support the agenda, he would wear such resentment as “a badge of honour.”

Obasanjo had, on Friday, described his decision to pick Atiku as his running mate in 1999 as the greatest mistake of his presidency. He made the remark in Lagos during a fireside conversation with veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, at an event marking the presentation of the memoir 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

Reacting, Atiku described the comment as “another failed attempt to rewrite history,” stressing that no individual is greater than the Nigerian Constitution.

“No individual, regardless of status or accomplishments, is bigger than the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Constitution is supreme,” he said.

Atiku also referenced remarks attributed to the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, which reportedly acknowledged the contributions of the economic team he led during the Obasanjo administration.

According to him, such recognition from respected figures underscores his role in one of Nigeria’s most successful periods of economic management.

Despite the strained relationship between both leaders, Atiku said he has no regrets about assisting Obasanjo.

“When God gives you the opportunity to lift another human being, you do so without expecting repayment. Acts of kindness are matters of conscience, not commercial transactions,” he stated.

However, he cautioned against what he described as revisionism, insisting that facts should not be distorted.

Turning attention to national issues, Atiku criticised the timing of Obasanjo’s remarks, noting that Nigeria currently faces serious challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, and economic hardship.

“The 2027 election should be about rebuilding Nigeria, restoring security, reviving the economy, and giving hope to the next generation, not reopening old political wounds,” he said.

He concluded by affirming his commitment to Nigeria’s future rather than personal disputes.

“History is stubborn. It cannot be rewritten by bitterness, nor erased by repeated falsehoods. In the end, history will render its verdict, and so will the Nigerian people,” Atiku added.