Babangida Warns Obasanjo Against Trusting Atiku

Donald Duke, former Governor of Cross River State and PRP presidential candidate, shared an account of a warning issued by former military Head of State Ibrahim Babangida to former President Olusegun Obasanjo regarding his then-deputy, Atiku Abubakar. This warning occurred during political tensions leading up to the 2003 presidential election.

Duke's account is featured in Seun Oloketuyi's book, "How to Win Elections in Nigeria." He described an informal meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja involving Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Obasanjo, and Atiku, where concerns about Atiku's political activities arose. Duke noted that Obasanjo felt betrayed by Atiku, prompting discussions among ten governors, including himself, and PDP National Chairman Solomon Lar about potential replacements for the vice-presidential slot.

Babangida later privately warned Obasanjo not to trust Atiku, stating, “This one cannot rule Nigeria,” highlighting the mistrust in their relationship.