The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 polls, Atiku Abubakar, has said former President Olusegun Obasanjo lacks the electoral influence to determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election, adding that the North made him president.
He made this known to newsmen on Wednesday, amid several reports that Obasanjo had declined to endorse his presidential ambition.
Abubakar said he was not concerned about whether Obasanjo endorsed him, recalling the role he said the northern electorate played in his emergence as president in 1999.
He said: “In 1999, he could not even win his own state or the South West.
“It was Arewa that made him president.
“He possesses no electoral value.”
Abubakar was Obasanjo’s vice president between 1999 and 2007.
They however had a strained political relationship, which the former VP said arose because of his opposition to Obasanjo’s third-term bid.
He said this was because he believed it was necessary to defend Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy.
Speaking on the 2027 elections, the former vice president also highlighted his record of providing opportunities for young Nigerians during his tenure as vice president.
He said some of those who benefited from such opportunities had gone on to become governors, ministers, directors, and holders of other public offices.
Abubakar promised that if elected president in 2027, he would continue to create opportunities for young Nigerians to serve and take up leadership positions.
