‘Atiku told me he refused to support Obasanjo’s third term agenda’ – Kenneth Okonkwo
Kenneth Okonkwo, a spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has shed light on the longstanding rift between Abubakar and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In a recent interview on Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily,” Okonkwo stated that Abubakar had confided in him about Obasanjo’s ambition to pursue a third term in office back in 2007. According to Okonkwo, the former vice president’s refusal to support this initiative was a significant factor in their falling out.
Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s president from 1999 to 2007, had Abubakar as his vice president during that period. Okonkwo revealed that Obasanjo retaliated against Abubakar’s stance by declaring he would never transfer power to him.
During the interview, Okonkwo suggested that some Nigerians oppose Abubakar’s presidential candidacy because of his commitment to improving living conditions in the country. He stated, “Nigerians are now seeing that the only reason they want to stop Atiku Abubakar is because he wants to come and make life better and pleasurable for Nigerians.”
He further praised Abubakar’s tenure as vice president, indicating it was marked by significant economic growth and stability. “From 1999 to 2007, it was the best administration we have ever had,” Okonkwo said, highlighting the government’s efforts to pay down international debt while maintaining Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy.
Okonkwo elaborated on the tensions between Abubakar and Obasanjo, sharing that from 2005 to 2007, Obasanjo had begun to seek support for his third term ambitions. He claimed that when approached by those advocating for Obasanjo, Abubakar firmly rejected the idea, stating, “If I tell you to take this message to them, will you? Tell him that not only will I not support it, I will fight it.” Okonkwo noted that Obasanjo then responded with a warning about the consequences of this refusal.
The interview has reignited discussions on the political dynamics between the two former leaders as Nigeria approaches the upcoming elections.
