Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed the political influence of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, saying the elder statesman has no significant electoral value ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku made the remark on Wednesday, August 20, 2026, while responding to reports that Obasanjo would not support his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 election. Rather than express concern over the former president’s position, Atiku questioned Obasanjo’s ability to influence voters at the polls.
According to Atiku, Obasanjo’s political influence has been exaggerated over the years. He argued that Obasanjo himself struggled to secure support in his home region during the 1999 presidential election, claiming that political support from northern Nigeria was instrumental to his victory.
“In 1999, he could not even win his own state or the Southwest; it was Arewa that made him President. He possesses no electoral value,” Atiku said.
The comments are particularly notable because of the complicated political history between the two men. Atiku served as Obasanjo’s vice president between 1999 and 2007, but their relationship deteriorated considerably during their time in office.
Their political differences continued after leaving government, with both men repeatedly taking opposing positions on major political issues and presidential elections.
Obasanjo has remained an influential voice in Nigerian politics despite leaving office in 2007, frequently commenting on elections and publicly expressing his preferences for political candidates. His endorsements have therefore attracted considerable attention from politicians seeking support.
Atiku, however, appears to believe that Obasanjo’s endorsement would have little effect on the actual voting behaviour of Nigerians.
His latest statement comes as political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election intensifies. Atiku was recently confirmed as the presidential candidate of the ADC, while the party continues efforts to build a broad opposition coalition.
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