Atiku tells Obasanjo he has no electoral value for 2027 race

Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has publicly challenged former President Olusegun Obasanjo's ability to influence the 2027 elections, stating that Obasanjo lacks electoral strength to determine the outcome. The remarks came after reports that Obasanjo declined to endorse Atiku's presidential bid.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Atiku expressed indifference to whether Obasanjo supported his candidacy, pivoting instead to historical grievances. Central to Atiku's criticism is his assertion that Obasanjo could not have won the 1999 presidential election on his own merits.

According to Atiku, the former president failed to secure his home state or the broader South-West region during that election. Instead, Atiku credited the northern electorate—referred to as 'Arewa'—with delivering Obasanjo's victory.

By this logic, Atiku argued, Obasanjo's current political standing carries minimal electoral weight for upcoming contests. The dispute between the two figures extends beyond 2027 calculations.

Atiku also recounted a claim that he intervened to save Obasanjo's life while the former president was imprisoned, alleging he leaked information about a planned lethal injection. Atiku drew a parallel to the late General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, suggesting similar methods were deployed against him.

These claims connect present electoral disagreements to their shared history in detention. Atiku's remarks signal an escalating public confrontation with Obasanjo over their political relationship and respective contributions to Nigeria's democratic transition.

The exchange reflects deeper tensions within Nigeria's political establishment regarding endorsements, regional influence, and electoral mathematics as politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.