Former vice president and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has said he cared for and supported former president Olusegun Obasanjo politically after he left prison in 1998.

Mr Abubakar stated this in a statement issued by his media aide Phrank Shaibu on Saturday hours after Mr Obasanjo, at a book presentation in Lagos, said his gravest mistake as a Nigeria’s president was choosing the former VP as his running mate in 1999.

Mr Abubakar, who also expressed pride for truncating the ex-president’s unconstitutional third-term agenda, said, “History records that while Chief Obasanjo was in prison, I stood firmly by him. I supported his family, worked tirelessly with other patriots for his release and never wavered in my belief that he deserved his freedom. 

“When he eventually regained his freedom, he had little to his name. I received him, clothed him, ensured he was properly cared for and extended every support necessary to help him regain his footing.

“I am proud that I stood against the third-term agenda. I am proud that I stood by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have no apology whatsoever for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy for personal ambition.”

The ADC presidential candidate, who berated Mr Obasanjo for his outburst, insisted the country was bigger than the ex-president’s third-term agenda.

He added, “If Chief Obasanjo’s bitterness stems from my refusal to support an unconstitutional third term, then I wear that resentment as a badge of honour. No individual, regardless of his status or accomplishments, is bigger than the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

“The Constitution is supreme, and I chose Nigeria over personal loyalty. The Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict.”

The politician further accused Mr Obasanjo of intentionally diminishing his contribution to the country’s economy during his time as the VP.

“Chief Obasanjo may choose not to appreciate my role in building one of Nigeria’s most prosperous economic eras, but history has been far kinder. The record speaks for itself, and so do the testimonies of those who worked closely with that administration,” the politician added.

Messrs Obasanjo and Abubakar were elected on a joint ticket on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 1999. They fell out after along the way with Mr Abukabar needing a court judgement to complete his eight-year tenure as vice president to Mr Obasanjo. 

Though attempts were made to reconcile them over the years, the portrayal of Mr Abubakar as a corrupt politician by Mr Obasanjo continues to dent their relationship.