By Olawale Olayinka, Abeokuta
The political relationship between former President Olusegun Aremu Obsasnjo and former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar remains one of the most discussed chapters in Nigeria's democratic history, with differing opinions continuing to emerge over how their alliance evolved into a bitter rivalry.
According to one political commentator, although Obasanjo is admired for what is described as his nationalistic approach to governance, his treatment of Atiku during their eight years in office remains a subject of criticism.
The commentator argued that Obasanjo's administration was driven by a national outlook rather than ethnic considerations but contended that the former president did not reciprocate the political support Atiku allegedly provided before and after the 1999 general elections.
It was noted that Atiku had already secured election as Governor-elect of Adamawa State before accepting Obasanjo's invitation to become his running mate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to the opinion, Atiku's popularity across northern Nigeria and his extensive political network played a significant role in strengthening the PDP's presidential ticket ahead of the election.
The article further claimed that while Obasanjo enjoyed the backing of the military establishment during the transition to civilian rule, Atiku commanded substantial influence within the PDP and among members of the National Assembly, making him an indispensable political ally during the administration's early years.
However, the commentator alleged that shortly after assuming office in 1999, the relationship between the president and his deputy began to deteriorate. Claimed that Atiku became increasingly sidelined as Obasanjo gradually built an independent political structure.
According to the opinion, the relationship temporarily improved ahead of the 2003 elections when Obasanjo sought re-election. The commentator alleged that Atiku's support was instrumental in helping Obasanjo secure the PDP presidential ticket and ultimately win a second term.
The writer further alleged that tensions resurfaced after the election, with accusations that efforts were made to politically weaken Atiku, including reported impeachment moves and prolonged disagreements within the presidency. These claims remain part of long-standing political debates surrounding the administration.
On the controversial third-term agenda that dominated Nigeria's political landscape between 2005 and 2006, the commentator credited Atiku with leading opposition to the constitutional amendment that would have allowed Obasanjo to seek another term in office.
Our corresponodent argued that Atiku's political influence, alongside resistance from members of the National Assembly, contributed significantly to the eventual collapse of the proposal.
He also asserted that former Senate President Ken Nnamani played a crucial role in rejecting the third-term amendment, describing him as politically aligned with Atiku during that period.
The commentator maintained that Atiku deserves recognition as one of the principal figures who resisted the third-term agenda, arguing that this episode remains central to the enduring political differences between the two former leaders.
While many of the claims surrounding the Obasanjo-Atiku relationship have been widely debated over the years, both men have publicly offered differing accounts of the events that shaped their political partnership and eventual fallout
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