‘I Clothed, Fed You,’ Atiku Fires Back at Obasanjo
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded sharply to recent comments by ex-President
Olusegun Obasanjo, recalling how he supported Obasanjo financially and personally after his release
from prison.
Atiku also defended his opposition to Obasanjo’s alleged third-term bid, saying he has no regrets.
In a statement issued on Saturday, August 1, 2026, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public
Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he watched Obasanjo’s interview with sadness.
He recounted standing by Obasanjo during his imprisonment, supporting his family, and working for his
release.
After Obasanjo’s freedom, Atiku said the former president had little to his name, and he personally
ensured he was clothed, fed, and properly cared for.
Atiku added that he mobilised political structures and made sacrifices that helped Obasanjo become
president.
“Do I regret helping Chief Obasanjo? Absolutely not. When God gives you the opportunity to lift another
human being, you do so without expecting repayment,” he stated.
Atiku described Obasanjo’s criticism, where the ex-president reportedly called choosing him as vice
president his greatest regret, as rooted in bitterness over the failure of the third-term agenda.
He declared pride in blocking what he called an attempt to subvert the Constitution. “I have no apology
whatsoever for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy for personal ambition,” Atiku said.
The exchange revives a long-standing rivalry between the two leaders, who once worked together but
later fell out.
Atiku emphasised that history cannot be rewritten and acts of kindness should not be viewed
transactionally.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
