Kenneth Okonkwo, the campaign spokesperson for African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, claimed that their disagreements stemmed from his principal’s refusal to back former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term agenda.
In an interview with Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, Okonkwo claimed that Atiku informed him that Obasanjo was pursuing a third term in 2007.
He said, “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 did it before from 1999 to 2007 the best administration we have ever had, the one that improved the economy the most.
“They were paying off international debts, they were paying fuel subsidy while Nigeria was growing as the largest economy in Africa.
“And let me tell you the reason. Atiku told me about this one himself that from 2005 to 2007, Obasanjo had started romancing third term and he sent people to Atiku to support him. Atiku told them ‘if I tell you to take this message to them, will you? Tell him that not only that I will not support it, I will fight it.’
“Obasanjo responded that ‘hope you know the consequence that I will not hand over power to you? Atiku told me this.”
The longstanding rift between Atiku and Obasanjo has truly overstayed its welcome. Both are now seasoned leaders and elders in the nation, and it is high time they set aside their differences. For the sake of peace, progress, and unity in Nigeria, they should embrace reconciliation and work towards healing the wounds of the past. Age and experience should inspire them to prioritize the nation’s well-being over personal grievances.
