Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s refusal to endorse his political ambition, saying he remains “unbothered” by the decision.
Mr Atiku argued that Mr Obasanjo’s electoral influence was limited, recalling that the former president struggled to secure victory in his home state and across the South-West during the 1999 presidential election.
According to Atiku, his emergence as president in 1999 was largely made possible by support from northern Nigeria, which he described as “Arewa”.
“I am unbothered by Obasanjo’s refusal to endorse me. In 1999, he could not even win his own state or the South-West. It was Arewa that made him President,” Atiku said.
He further claimed that Mr Obasanjo no longer possessed significant electoral influence, adding: “He possesses no electoral value.”
The remarks come amid renewed political manoeuvring ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with political leaders and potential presidential contenders seeking to consolidate support across the country.
Atiku, who has previously contested the presidency several times, has remained a prominent figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
Mr Obasanjo, a former military head of state and civilian president, has yet to publicly endorse Atiku for the 2027 presidential race.
