In a statement released on Sunday, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, asserted that he was instrumental in preserving President Bola Tinubu's political career. Atiku countered recent claims suggesting that Tinubu provided significant support to him during a period of political persecution.
Atiku revealed that during Tinubu's tenure as Lagos State governor in the early Fourth Republic, his political career faced potential termination, which was averted thanks to Atiku's support. He emphasized that his intervention was crucial for Tinubu's continued governance and political survival.
This declaration came in response to remarks made by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday. Shettima had stated that Atiku and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu had previously sought refuge at Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence during their political troubles. Atiku dismissed this narrative, asserting that it was Tinubu who benefited from his goodwill.
Atiku's media adviser, Paul Ibe, criticized Shettima for distorting historical facts and reiterated that Atiku's support was pivotal in preventing Tinubu's political downfall. The statement further clarified that Atiku ran under the Action Congress (AC) in 2007, a coalition party distinct from Tinubu's Alliance for Democracy.
Atiku urged Shettima to refrain from making uninformed comments and highlighted the collaborative efforts of various political figures that led to his nomination as the AC presidential candidate, underscoring that it was not solely due to Tinubu's influence.
