The African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has revealed why he opposed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term bid, saying he chose to defend Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy over personal loyalty.
Atiku, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said Obasanjo’s latest public comments about him were an attempt to rewrite history.
He said the former President’s hostility towards him stemmed largely from his opposition to the controversial third-term agenda during the Obasanjo administration.
Atiku said he was proud to have stood against the move, insisting that his decision was based on his commitment to Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles.
“I am proud that I stood against the third-term agenda. I am proud that I stood by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have no apology whatsoever for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy for personal ambition.
“If Chief Obasanjo’s bitterness stems from my refusal to support an unconstitutional third term, then I wear that resentment as a badge of honour. No individual, regardless of his status or accomplishments, is bigger than the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Constitution is supreme, and I chose Nigeria over personal loyalty,” he said.
Atiku noted that the struggle against the third-term agenda was never about two individuals but about preserving Nigeria’s constitutional democracy for future generations.
“The Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict.”
The former Vice President said it was unfortunate that
This post was originally published on this site.
