Senator Shehu Sani has set social media ablaze with his observation that the long-running feud between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has now spanned more than two decades, outliving an entire generation. In a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on August 1, 2026, Sani said the rivalry began when Generation Z Nigerians were still in nursery and primary school and has continued even as that generation now has children of its own.
According to the former Kaduna Central senator, the political cold war between the two elder statesmen is unlikely to cease unless one of them passes on. His post, which was made at 4:47 PM, amassed over 85,000 views within hours, indicating the deep public interest in the enduring political conflict.
The Quote That Sparked Reactions
In his now-viral post, Senator Sani wrote: "The Obj/Atiku feud began when the GenZs were in Nursery and Primary school. It's continuing even when that generation had graduated from Universities and married with 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 on OBJ It's It's, he has been receiving Obj's hypersonic missiles for two decades."
The comment drew a wave of responses from Nigerians, many of whom reflected on the toll such a long-running rivalry has taken on the country's political landscape. Some users agreed with Sani's prediction, while others questioned the value of endless political hostilities.
Two Decades of Political Hostility
Sani noted that the rift between Obasanjo and Atiku became publicly visible around 2003, during Atiku's tenure as vice president under Obasanjo's administration. What began as a political falling-out inside the presidency has since grown into one of the most enduring personal conflicts in Nigerian political history, spanning multiple election cycles and numerous legal battles.
The feud has seen Obasanjo repeatedly criticize Atiku and even work against his presidential ambitions, while Atiku has on several occasions defended his record and responded to the attacks. The animosity has played out in public statements, court cases, and political realignments, leaving observers wondering if there will ever be reconciliation.
Nigerians React to the Enduring Rivalry
Sani's post generated a mix of amusement, frustration, and cynicism among social media users. @OgundipeBenson wrote: "Since 2003 when the rift became pronounced, I have been telling those who care to listen that OBJ have one agenda and goal, which is to make sure when he is alive Atiku will never be president. That agenda and goal is still very much alive. Aluta continua."
Another user, @Toye_Muller, expressed sympathy for Atiku, saying: "I honestly think Atiku is a good man; he's been receiving a lot of abuse from OBJ, taking him to court 12 times, yet he's never for once responded negatively, but now I think he should man up and fight dirty with that old unapologetic man."
@ihemtuge_C drew a parallel to another political pair, noting: "This shows they were never meant to be. Same as Obi and Atiku. They took the beef out of office and beyond. Obj never liked Atiku, Atiku never liked Obj even as a vice to him."
@AkaahanPaul agreed with Sani's framing: "This Obj/Atiku cold war has more seasons than any Nollywood series. Started when Gen Z were still learning ABCs, now they're raising kids of their own… and the hypersonic missiles keep flying. At this rate, the eulogy will be the only ceasefire."
@NiF88631139 offered a more cynical take: "When any one of them dies, the other one will go and publish a book to dent the image of the dead when he has lost the power to defend himself. Insincere lots."
@AfricanChrons summed up a broader concern, saying: "Politics often creates strange alliances and lasting rivalries. The real question is whether these long-running feuds help address the issues that matter most to Nigerians."
Atiku's Response to Obasanjo's Latest Attack
The renewed discourse comes after Atiku responded to Obasanjo's most recent public attack through a statement released by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, on August 1, 2026. The former Vice President said he stood by Obasanjo when the ex-president was in prison and played a key role in his emergence as Nigeria's president.
Atiku also cited World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's recent praise of his economic team as evidence that history has judged his record favourably. The back-and-forth underscored the deep-seated nature of the conflict, which has refused to fade even after both men have left power.
Obasanjo Opens Up on Greatest Mistake
Earlier, reports emerged that Obasanjo mentioned the greatest mistake of his life during a fireside chat with musician and activist Charly Boy in Lagos. The event was held to unveil Charly Boy's foundation and his memoir, drawing prominent figures including Peter Obi and Pa Emeka Anyaoku.
While Obasanjo's remarks at that event were separate from his feud with Atiku, they added another layer to the ongoing public fascination with the former president's reflections on his time in office. Obasanjo and Atiku served together on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 1999 to 2007 before their relationship turned sour over political differences.
As the feud continues to dominate conversations, Senator Shehu Sani's observation has once again put into focus the personal and political costs of a rivalry that has now become a permanent fixture in Nigerian political discourse. With no end in sight, many Nigerians are left wondering whether the only resolution truly lies in the grave.
