In a startling statement on Sunday, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claimed that President Bola Tinubu significantly benefited from his support during a critical period in his political career. According to Atiku, Tinubu’s career might have ended prematurely without his intervention.
This declaration came in response to comments made by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday. Shettima had claimed that both Atiku and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu once relied on Tinubu’s political support during their times of persecution. Shettima specifically noted that Tinubu’s residence in Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos, provided a refuge for Atiku when he faced harassment and expulsion from the PDP.
During the inauguration of the Vice Presidential Lodge in Abuja, Shettima said, “Tinubu’s home has been a sanctuary for victims of political witch-hunts. When Atiku was harassed by the PDP, he sought and received support from Tinubu, which enabled him to later contest for the presidency.”
In a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku disputed Shettima’s claims, asserting that it was actually Tinubu who benefited from Atiku’s goodwill. He explained that his commitment to democracy and the rule of law played a pivotal role in ensuring Tinubu’s political survival during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.
Atiku stated, “But for my support, Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State would have been rough, with a wide possibility of termination of his political career.”
Atiku also addressed misconceptions about his 2007 presidential run, clarifying that he contested under the Action Congress (AC), not the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), as Shettima suggested. He explained that the AC was formed from a coalition of various political groups, including those allied with Tinubu, but the nomination was a collective decision by delegates from all states.
Atiku noted that the delegates who nominated him included significant figures from various political backgrounds such as Lawal Keita, Amb. Yahaya Kwande, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Alexis Anielo, Titi Ajanaku, ex-Governor Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Tom Ikimi, and Chief Dapo Sarumi. From Tinubu’s Alliance for Democracy, key figures included Bola Tinubu, Chief Segun Osoba, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, and Chief Bisi Akande.
“Atiku did not run under the ACN, but under the AC, which was a product of a coalition of various political entities,” the statement read, debunking Shettima’s claims.
Atiku further criticized Shettima for his lack of accurate knowledge on the matter and urged him to refrain from making statements on topics he is not well-versed in. He advised, “Shettima needs to understand the historical context and the dynamics of early Fourth Republic politics before making such assertions. Misrepresenting facts does a disservice to the political history of our country.”
