Atiku Aide Says Obasanjo Opposes His Presidential Bid

A political aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has characterized the long-standing rift between his principal and former President Olusegun Obasanjo as fundamentally political, asserting that Obasanjo is determined to prevent Atiku from ever becoming Nigeria's president. The comments came as Atiku's camp issued a detailed rebuttal to recent allegations made by Obasanjo, intensifying a public dispute that dates back to their shared administration from 1999 to 2007.

Demola Olarewaju, Senior Political Assistant to Atiku, made the remarks during a Monday interview on Eagle 102.5 FM in Abeokuta. He stated that while Atiku holds Obasanjo in high esteem and there is no personal grievance, the conflict is rooted in politics. "It is clear from how Atiku holds Obasanjo in high esteem. The issue between them is political and, for reasons best known to Obasanjo, it is very clear and obvious that he does not want Atiku Abubakar to ever be President of the Federal Republic," Olarewaju said. He also questioned what he described as Obasanjo's belief that no other leader could match his achievements.

The latest exchange follows a July 23, 2026, allegation by Obasanjo that Atiku...