Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has claimed that he once helped save the life of former President Olusegun Obasanjo while the latter was in prison.
Atiku made the claim while speaking with journalists, saying he leaked information about an alleged plan to administer an injection to Obasanjo that he believed could have been fatal.
According to the former vice president, he became aware of the alleged plan and warned Obasanjo against accepting the injection.
“I saved Obasanjo’s life in prison by leaking information about an impending injection that could have killed him,” Atiku said.
He further alleged that a similar method had been used against the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
“They did the same to Yar’Adua, and when I learnt they planned to do it to him, I warned him not to allow the injection,” he added.
Atiku did not provide further details or independent evidence to substantiate the allegation.
Atiku Links Claim to Political Dispute
The ADC candidate said his relationship with Obasanjo later deteriorated, particularly over the former president’s attempt to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally permitted two terms.
Atiku accused Obasanjo of now portraying him negatively because he opposed the controversial third-term bid.
“Today, he wants the world to hate me because I opposed his third-term ambition,” Atiku said.
The claim comes amid a renewed public exchange between the two former political allies, who have recently traded accusations over their relationship and their roles in Nigeria’s political history.
Atiku and Obasanjo’s Political History
Atiku served as vice president under Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007 after the pair won the presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Their relationship later became strained, particularly during the final years of the Obasanjo administration.
Atiku has continued to defend his role in the administration and has recently responded to criticism from the former president as both men revisit their political history ahead of the 2027 general election.
The latest claim adds another chapter to the long-running dispute between the two former allies.
