The Democratic Front (TDF) has said that recent allegations by former President Olusegun Obasanjo against former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, have raised fresh concerns about his integrity and suitability for public office.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, the group referenced Obasanjo’s claim that Atiku allegedly offered a N5 million bribe to the late former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, in a bid to facilitate the former President’s impeachment while they were in office.
According to the group, although the late Na’Abba is no longer alive to respond to the allegation, the fact that it was made publicly by a former President against his former deputy warrants serious reflection by Nigerians.
TDF argued that the allegation was not an isolated incident, claiming that Obasanjo had, on several occasions, accused Atiku of corruption and political betrayal.
The group also referred to allegations contained in Obasanjo’s memoir, My Watch, alleging that Atiku’s response to the book amounted to an admission rather than a legal challenge against the accusations.
It maintained that Atiku’s failure to institute legal proceedings over previous allegations has made it difficult, in its view, to dismiss the latest claims made by the former President.
The organisation further described the latest allegation as opening “a new Pandora’s box” regarding Atiku’s public service record, alleging that it reinforced previous claims portraying him as a politician driven by excessive ambition and political treachery.
According to the group, Obasanjo, having served closely with Atiku during their administration, was in a position to assess the former Vice President’s character and performance in office.
TDF therefore urged Nigerians to consider the allegations carefully ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing them as an early warning against supporting Atiku’s presidential ambition.
Atiku Abubakar has consistently denied corruption allegations made against him over the years. The latest claims by former President Obasanjo have also been publicly disputed by Atiku’s supporters. No court has made a finding establishing the bribery allegation referenced by TDF.
