Summary
Atiku Abubakar has rejected Olusegun Obasanjo's claim that choosing him as vice president was his biggest mistake.
The former vice president said he is proud of opposing Obasanjo's alleged third-term agenda.
Atiku insisted he stood by the Constitution and has no regrets over their political fallout.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo over remarks that selecting him as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election was the biggest mistake of his administration. Read original
In a statement released on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku dismissed Obasanjo's comments as an attempt to distort history.
The former vice president argued that Obasanjo's criticism was rooted in his refusal to support what he described as the former president's controversial third-term agenda.
"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 decision to oppose any move to extend presidential tenure beyond constitutional limits was based on his commitment to 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.
Atiku also reflected on his past relationship with the former president, saying he remained loyal to Obasanjo during difficult periods, including his imprisonment.
According to him, he supported Obasanjo's family, worked towards his release and played a role in rebuilding his political career. Despite the eventual breakdown of their relationship, Atiku said he has no regrets about the support he offered.
The exchange comes after Obasanjo reportedly described choosing Atiku as his running mate in 1999 as the biggest mistake of his presidency, reigniting the long-running political rift between the two former leaders.
