In a stunning dismissal of his former boss’s political clout, African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has declared that ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo possesses no electoral value and cannot influence the 2027 presidential election outcome.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday after reports emerged that Obasanjo had declined to endorse his presidential ambition, Atiku fired back with a brutal reality check: “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”.
The war of words escalated after Obasanjo recently called choosing Atiku as his running mate the “biggest mistake” of his presidency and accused him of disloyalty. Atiku, who served as VP from 1999 to 2007, countered by accusing Obasanjo of rewriting history for political gain ahead of 2027. He also reminded Nigerians that he opposed Obasanjo’s third-term bid to defend the Constitution.
Unfazed by the snub, Atiku pivoted to his own record, promising that if elected in 2027, he would expand opportunities for young Nigerians many of whom, he noted, became governors and ministers under his watch.
With both political giants now openly at war, the 2027 race is already shaping up as a grudge match between Nigeria’s most famous former ticket-mates.