Former Vice President of Nigeria and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s allegation that he offered the late Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, N5 million to facilitate an impeachment plot against him.
Atiku, through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, described the allegation as reckless, unfair and disrespectful to the memory of the late Na’Abba, who is no longer alive to respond to the claim.
In a statement issued on Friday, Shaibu said it was troubling that Obasanjo waited until after Na’Abba’s death to make such a serious accusation.
According to him, if the allegation was true, it should have been raised when the former Speaker was alive and able to defend himself.
He said: “The late Rt. Hon. Ghali Na’Abba cannot now defend his own integrity or respond to the allegation that he accepted a bribe. It is unfair to his memory and contrary to our cultural values to conscript the dead into contemporary political battles when they no longer have a voice.”
Atiku also argued that the allegation lacked evidence, noting that no court judgment or official investigation had established any criminal wrongdoing.
He questioned why no action was taken at the time if there was proof of the alleged offence, given the powers available to the government then.
The former Vice President further accused Obasanjo of reviving the allegation for political reasons ahead of the 2027 general election, saying the move was aimed at damaging his reputation and creating political advantage.
Atiku claimed that the root of Obasanjo’s hostility towards him dated back to his opposition to the former President’s alleged third-term ambition.
He maintained that he stood by constitutional democracy and successfully challenged attempts to extend presidential tenure through legal means.
The ADC presidential candidate said Nigeria’s current challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and rising public debt, should receive more attention than old political disputes.
He urged leaders to focus on addressing the country’s problems rather than revisiting past political disagreements.
Atiku added that while Obasanjo had the right to support any candidate ahead of the 2027 election, he should do so openly instead of relying on allegations that could no longer be verified.
He said his focus remained on promoting accountability, democracy and providing Nigerians with credible leadership alternatives.
The development follows Obasanjo’s recent claim that Atiku financed an impeachment plot against him by allegedly giving the late Ghali Umar Na’Abba N5 million.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.