Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of engaging in what he described as a sustained campaign of misinformation and political manipulation against him for more than 20 years.
Atiku made the allegation through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, while reacting to claims by Obasanjo that he encouraged the late Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, to pursue efforts aimed at removing him from office during their time in government.
The former president reportedly revived the allegation during a recent public engagement, prompting a response from Atiku’s camp.
Ibe dismissed the claim, describing it as another attempt to tarnish Atiku’s image ahead of another election cycle.
According to him, Obasanjo has repeatedly raised allegations of betrayal and corruption against Atiku whenever major elections approach.
The former vice president’s camp also referenced comments made by former House of Representatives Chief Whip, Abubakar Bwari, who reportedly contradicted Obasanjo’s account by stating that Atiku often acted as a mediator between lawmakers and the presidency rather than working against the former president.
Atiku’s supporters further cited remarks by former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, who claimed Atiku rejected opportunities that could have enabled him to challenge Obasanjo’s re-election bid in 2003, choosing instead to remain loyal to his principal.
The statement also revisited the controversy surrounding the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), maintaining that allegations levelled against Atiku before the 2007 elections were politically motivated and linked to his opposition to Obasanjo’s proposed third-term agenda.
According to Ibe, recent accounts and testimonies from political figures continue to challenge longstanding narratives promoted against the former vice president.
The latest exchange underscores the enduring political rivalry between Obasanjo and Atiku, whose relationship deteriorated significantly during their second term in office.
Atiku, now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, insisted that the allegations against him would not withstand public scrutiny.
When contacted, Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, declined to comment on the matter.
