Former Vice President and 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his recent criticism, insisting that his opposition to the controversial third-term agenda remains one of the defining moments of his political career.

Atiku’s response followed Obasanjo’s claim that choosing him as running mate in the 1999 presidential election was the biggest mistake of his political life.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his senior special assistant on public communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president described Obasanjo’s latest remarks as “another failed attempt to rewrite history,” saying the former president had allowed personal resentment to overshadow historical facts.

“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 maintained that his resistance to the failed constitutional amendment was driven solely by the need to protect Nigeria’s democracy.

“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,” he added.

According to Atiku, the battle against the third-term agenda transcended personal disagreements and ultimately preserved Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

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

The former vice president also referenced recent remarks by the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who reportedly described the economic management team under the Obasanjo administration as “the best Nigeria has ever had.”

Atiku argued that while respected Nigerians continue to acknowledge his contributions to the country’s economic management during that period, Obasanjo appears determined to diminish his role.

He further revisited their political relationship, claiming he played a significant part in Obasanjo’s return to national politics after his release from prison.

According to him, he supported Obasanjo’s family during his incarceration, assisted him after his release, and mobilised political structures that contributed to his emergence as president in 1999.

“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,” Atiku claimed.

Despite their current differences, Atiku said he harboured no regrets over the assistance he rendered.

“Do I regret helping Chief Obasanjo? Absolutely not. When God gives you the opportunity to lift another human being, you do so without expecting repayment,” he said.

The former vice president, however, warned against what he described as attempts to distort historical events, insisting that “gratitude should never be replaced with revisionism.”

He also criticised Obasanjo for dwelling on past political disagreements at a time Nigeria is grappling with economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment.

“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,” Atiku stated.

He said his decision to remain silent over the years should not be interpreted as weakness, stressing that he would no longer ignore what he called repeated distortions of history.

“Chief Obasanjo is entitled to his opinions. He is entitled to his personal grievances. What he is not entitled to are his own facts,” he said.

The latest exchange followed remarks by Obasanjo, who said his decision to choose Atiku as his running mate ahead of the 1999 election remained the greatest mistake of his political career.

The former president, who served with Atiku from 1999 to 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said: “I would say the greatest mistake I made was picking Atiku Abubakar as my vice president in 1999.”