TDA fresh political war of words has erupted as former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, launched a scathing attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of disloyalty and past attempts to undermine his former boss, Olusegun Obasanjo.
This was contained in a strongly worded statement addressed to Atiku, whom Fani-Kayode referred to as “Waziri”.
He challenged the former vice president’s recent comments about not responding to Vice President Kashim Shettima due to age and experience differences.
Atiku had earlier stated that he would not engage Shettima.
He argued that it was against northern traditions to disrespect elders, adding that he was older and more experienced in governance.
However, Fani-Kayode rejected this position, describing it as inconsistent with Atiku’s past conduct while serving as vice president between 1999 and 2007.
Atiku versus Obasanjo
According to him, Atiku openly confronted and disrespected Obasanjo during their time in office.
This, he said, was despite the fact that the former president was both older and more experienced.
Fani-Kayode went further to allege that Atiku had, throughout his tenure as vice president, plotted to remove Obasanjo from power.
This, he noted was with the sole aim of becoming president himself.
“I am a living witness to the whole thing,” he stated.
He insisted that such actions contradicted Atiku’s current appeal to respect for age and hierarchy.
He also contrasted Atiku’s record with that of Shettima, praising the current vice president for what he described as unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, loyalty is a key leadership trait that Atiku allegedly lacked during his time in government.
Despite the criticism, Fani-Kayode maintained a tone of personal familiarity.
He stated that he had known Atiku for over three decades and still held some level of regard for him.
Atiku versus Jonathan
The former minister also took issue with Atiku’s recent remarks about former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Atiku had described Jonathan as a “young man” who lacked sufficient experience to manage the country effectively during his tenure.
Fani-Kayode described the comment as arrogant.
He pointed out that Jonathan, who served as both vice president and president, had significant experience in governance.
He added that Nigeria witnessed notable economic growth during Jonathan’s administration, urging others who served in that government to defend its record.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly among key figures in opposition and ruling party circles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political observers say such public confrontations reflect deeper rivalries and unresolved issues dating back to previous administrations.
Observers especially emphasise the turbulent relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku during their years in power.
As of press time, Atiku Abubakar had not issued an official response to Fani-Kayode’s claims.
