I Have No Regrets Opposing Obasanjo’s Third-Term Agenda, Atiku Fires Back

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has declared that he has no regrets over opposing the alleged third-term agenda of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing his stance as a defence of Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles.

Atiku made the remarks in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, in response to recent comments by Obasanjo, which he said were aimed at rewriting history and diminishing his role in the administration that governed Nigeria between 1999 and 2007.

The former vice president said he received Obasanjo’s comments with sadness rather than anger, alleging that the former president’s resentment stemmed from his refusal to support the reported constitutional amendment that would have allowed him to seek a third term in office.

“I am proud that I stood against the third-term agenda. I am proud that I stood by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have no apology whatsoever for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy for personal ambition,” Atiku said.

He added: “If Chief Obasanjo’s bitterness stems from my refusal to support an unconstitutional third term, then I wear that resentment as a badge of honour.

“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.”

According to Atiku, the resistance to the alleged third-term bid was not a personal fight but a collective effort by Nigerians to protect the country’s democracy.

“The Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict,” he stated.

The ADC presidential candidate also cited recent remarks by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who reportedly described the Obasanjo administration’s economic management team as one of the best Nigeria has produced.

Atiku argued that while respected Nigerians continue to acknowledge his contributions to the administration’s economic successes, Obasanjo appears determined to downplay his role.

Reflecting on their political history, Atiku recalled supporting Obasanjo during his imprisonment and working with other pro-democracy advocates to secure his release ahead of the 1999 presidential election.

“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,” he said.
He added that he has no regrets about supporting Obasanjo, stressing that genuine acts of kindness should never be driven by expectations of gratitude or reward.