”Conscripting the Dead”: Atiku attacks Obasanjo over Na’Abba bribery allegations
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has fired back at former President Olusegun Obasanjo over fresh bribery allegations, describing them as a “reckless” and “desperate attempt” to tarnish his image ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The reaction came via a statement released by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu. In it, the former Vice President strongly refuted Obasanjo’s claim that he bribed the late former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, to execute an impeachment plot against him during their tenure.
Atiku condemned Obasanjo for dragging the late Ghali Na’Abba into political disputes, noting it is un-African and unfair to accuse a man who is no longer alive to defend his integrity.
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He questioned why Obasanjo failed to level these allegations while Na’Abba was still alive or take judicial action during his presidency when he held full control of state power.
Atiku alleged that the recycled claims are strategically timed to damage his reputation and hand an unearned political advantage to Obasanjo’s preferred kinsman ahead of the 2027 polls.
The former VP attributed Obasanjo’s lingering hostility to his firm opposition to the infamous Third-Term agenda, emphasizing that he chose to defend the Nigerian Constitution over personal political loyalty.
Addressing the specific allegation regarding the late Speaker of the House, Atiku expressed deep concern over the ethics of Obasanjo’s statements.
”As Africans, we understand the solemn duty of speaking truthfully about the dead. It is deeply troubling that former President Obasanjo has chosen this moment to allege that I gave the late Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba a bribe to impeach him,” the statement read.
”Why wait until the only man who could confirm or refute the claim has departed this world? By invoking a deceased man… former President Obasanjo has denied Nigerians the opportunity of hearing the other side of the story.”
Atiku noted that the allegations remain entirely unbacked by any judicial finding or official determination from their time in power.
Third-Term Fallout and 2027 Politics
Atiku reiterated that the root cause of the ongoing friction between both leaders remains his refusal to back Obasanjo’s attempt to extend his presidency beyond constitutional limits.
He urged the elder statesman to be upfront about his political leanings for the upcoming election cycle rather than hiding behind historical disputes.
”If former President Obasanjo has chosen to take a political position ahead of 2027, he should simply declare it and allow Nigerians to judge it on its merits, rather than attempting to influence public opinion through allegations that can no longer be tested,” he added.
