Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that he personally provided food, clothing and other forms of support to former President Olusegun Obasanjo after the latter’s release from prison in 1998, saying the former military ruler had very little at the time.
Atiku made the claim while responding to recent allegations by Obasanjo regarding events that shaped their political relationship during the early years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. The remarks form part of an escalating exchange between the two former allies, whose relationship has deteriorated significantly over the years.
According to Atiku, Obasanjo was released from prison with limited personal belongings following his incarceration under the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha. He said he stepped in to provide essential support, including clothing, food and other necessities, as Obasanjo prepared to re-enter public life.
The former vice president said his actions were motivated by goodwill and their shared commitment to Nigeria’s return to democratic rule, adding that he had expected mutual respect and honesty in recounting their political history.
Atiku’s comments come days after Obasanjo accused him of attempting to orchestrate his impeachment during his presidency by allegedly bribing the late former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba. Obasanjo made the allegation in a letter responding to former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba over political events surrounding the 2003 elections.
In response, Atiku, through his media office, dismissed the allegation as false and politically motivated. He argued that it was unfair to implicate the late Na’Abba, who is no longer alive to defend himself, and accused Obasanjo of attempting to rewrite history ahead of the 2027 general election.
Obasanjo and Atiku served as president and vice president between 1999 and 2007 but fell out during their second term, particularly over Obasanjo’s failed bid for a constitutional amendment that would have allowed him to seek a third consecutive term in office. Their political differences have since produced periodic public exchanges over the events of that era.
The latest war of words has reignited debate over the legacy of the Obasanjo administration and the long-standing rivalry between two of Nigeria’s most influential political figures. Neither Obasanjo nor his media aides has publicly responded to Atiku’s latest claims about supporting him after his release from prison.
