Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly rejected former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s allegation that he bribed the late Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, with ₦5 million to facilitate an impeachment plot against him.
Responding in a statement issued on Friday through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the allegation as reckless and unfair, arguing that it was inappropriate to make such a claim after the death of the late lawmaker, who is no longer alive to respond.
According to Atiku, if the allegation was genuine, Obasanjo should have made it while Na’Abba was alive, rather than raising it years after his death.
He said invoking the late Speaker in a politically sensitive allegation denies Nigerians the opportunity to hear the other side of the story and unfairly questions the integrity of a deceased public servant.
The former Vice President also noted that the accusation has never been backed by any judicial ruling or official investigation.
“If there was indeed evidence of any criminal conduct as alleged, Nigerians are entitled to ask why no action was taken at the time by a government that wielded the full powers of the Nigerian state,” the statement said.
Atiku further questioned the timing of the allegation, suggesting it was politically motivated as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.
He alleged that the renewed claim was intended to damage his reputation and create political advantage for Obasanjo’s preferred candidate, insisting that Nigerians would not be distracted by what he described as recycled allegations.
The former Vice President maintained that his strained relationship with Obasanjo stemmed from his opposition to the former President’s controversial third-term agenda, which he said he resisted in defence of Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles.
Rather than engaging in what he called historical political disputes, Atiku said Nigeria’s leaders should focus on addressing pressing national challenges, including rising food prices, insecurity, unemployment, growing public debt and concerns over public resource management.
He added that while Obasanjo is free to support any candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, he should do so openly instead of relying on allegations that cannot be verified because the key figure mentioned is no longer alive.
Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to providing what he described as credible leadership alternatives, defending democracy, promoting accountability and working towards transparent, people-centred governance.
The response follows Obasanjo’s recent claim that Atiku offered the late Ghali Umar Na’Abba a ₦5 million bribe to support moves to impeach him while he was serving as President.
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