African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said former President Olusegun Obasanjo lacks the electoral influence to determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku stated this while speaking with journalists on Wednesday, amid reports that Obasanjo had declined to endorse his presidential ambition.
Responding to the former president’s position, Atiku said he was not concerned about whether Obasanjo endorsed him, recalling the role he said the northern electorate played in Obasanjo’s emergence as president in 1999.
“In 1999, he could not even win his own state or the Southwest; it was Arewa that made him President. He possesses no electoral value,” Atiku said.
Atiku and Obasanjo served as President and Vice President respectively between 1999 and 2007 but have had a strained political relationship since leaving office.
Atiku has previously said he opposed Obasanjo’s third-term bid because he believed it was necessary to defend Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy.
Speaking on the 2027 elections, the former vice president also highlighted his record of providing opportunities for young Nigerians during his tenure as Vice President.
He said some of those who benefited from such opportunities had gone on to become governors, ministers, directors and holders of other public offices.
Atiku promised that, if elected president in 2027, he would continue to create opportunities for young Nigerians to serve and take up leadership positions.
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