African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s political influence, saying the former president lacks electoral value ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku made the remark while speaking with journalists on Wednesday, following Obasanjo’s decision not to endorse his presidential ambition.
The former Vice President said Obasanjo was unable to secure victory in his own state or across the Southwest during the 1999 presidential election, arguing that support from northern Nigeria, particularly the Arewa region, was instrumental to his emergence as president.
“In 1999, he could not even win his own state or the Southwest; it was Arewa that made him President. He possesses no electoral value,” Atiku said.
Atiku and Obasanjo have had a strained political relationship since leaving office in 2007 after serving two terms as President and Vice President respectively.
The ADC candidate has previously said he opposed Obasanjo’s attempt to secure a third term in office because he wanted to defend Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles, rather than out of personal loyalty.
Speaking on his plans for the 2027 election, Atiku also highlighted his record of empowering young Nigerians during his tenure as Vice President.
He said many of those who benefited from opportunities provided under his administration have gone on to become governors, ministers, directors and other senior public officials.
Atiku pledged that, if elected president in 2027, his administration would continue to create opportunities for young Nigerians to participate in governance and assume leadership positions.
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