Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has declared that the decades-old political war between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will likely only conclude when one of them is no more. He also predicted that the survivor would pay a glowing tribute to the departed, as is customary in the theatre of Nigerian politics.
Sani made this observation in a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, August 1. He contended that Atiku has been on the receiving end of what he called Obasanjo's "hypersonic missiles" ever since the former vice president threw what he described as a "devastating bomb" at his former boss.
Sani's Verdict on the Feud
In his post, Sani reflected on the longevity of the rivalry, noting that it has spanned generations and continues to defy time. He pointed out that the conflict began when members of Generation Z were still in nursery and primary school, and it is still raging now that the same generation has graduated from universities, gotten married, and raised children.
"The Obj/Atiku feud began when Gen Zs were in nursery and primary school. It's continuing even when that generation has graduated from universities, married and had children. It's likely going to continue until one of them is gone, and the other will pay a glowing tribute. Since Atiku threw a devastating bomb at Obj, he has been receiving Obj's hypersonic missiles for two decades."
The former lawmaker, known for his outspoken nature, did not mince words in describing the dynamic between the two political heavyweights. He suggested that the feud has become a permanent fixture in Nigeria's political landscape, with no sign of reconciliation.
A Rivalry Spanning Two Decades
The Obasanjo-Atiku relationship dates back to 1999 when Obasanjo, then seeking the presidency, chose Atiku as his running mate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The pair won the election and were re-elected in 2003. However, their political marriage soon soured, leading to a bitter falling-out that has persisted for over twenty years.
Atiku served as vice president from 1999 to 2007, but during that period, he and Obasanjo clashed over policy directions, political ambitions, and alleged corruption charges. The rift became public and deeply personal, with both men exchanging accusations and counter-accusations in the media and through their supporters.
Obasanjo's 'Biggest Mistake' Remark
The latest salvo in this long-running conflict came when Obasanjo, during a recent public appearance, declared that selecting Atiku as his running mate in 1999 was the biggest mistake he made while in office. The statement reignited the feud, drawing swift reactions from Atiku's camp and loyalists across the political divide.
According to sources close to the former president, the remark was intended to underscore Obasanjo's current stance on leadership and his disappointment with Atiku's repeated presidential bids. Atiku, now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has been vocal about his own grievances against Obasanjo, often revisiting historical disagreements in his speeches and media appearances.
Atiku's Repeated Criticisms
Atiku, for his part, has never shied away from criticizing his former principal. Over the years, he has accused Obasanjo of authoritarian tendencies, attempts to impose a third-term agenda, and betrayal of the country's democratic ethos. These criticisms have been consistent, even as Atiku has made multiple unsuccessful runs for the presidency on different party platforms.
Sani's intervention adds another layer to the public discourse surrounding the feud. By framing it as an unending struggle that will only be resolved by death, he has highlighted the entrenched animosity between two of Nigeria's most influential politicians. His comment about a "glowing tribute" suggests that even in death, the political courtship will continue in the form of posthumous honor.
What This Means for Nigeria's Political Landscape
The ongoing feud between Obasanjo and Atiku is not just a personal matter; it has broader implications for Nigeria's political development. Both men have been central figures in shaping the country's democracy, and their conflict has often overshadowed policy discussions. Analysts argue that the inability of these older statesmen to reconcile sends a poor signal to younger politicians about the value of political unity and dialogue.
Shehu Sani's prophecy, while grim, resonates with many who have followed the saga closely. The two politicians, both in their late 70s, have seen their rivalry outlast several political epochs and administrations. Whether it ends with a reconciliation or with one inheriting the other's legacy, one thing is certain: the Obasanjo-Atiku feud remains one of the most enduring and dramatic subplots in Nigerian political history.
