Veteran journalist and political strategist Dele Momodu has disclosed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar once had an agreement to take over power from ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo after their first term. Momodu shared this insight in a detailed post on his official Facebook page.
Atiku’s Alleged Succession Plan
According to Momodu, the deal was simple:
Obasanjo would complete his first term from 1999 to 2003.
Atiku would assume the presidency afterward.
Many state governors supported this plan.
Despite the agreement, the plan collapsed. Obasanjo later withdrew Atiku’s privileges and limited his political influence.
“The deal was that he would take over after their first term in office. But it fell through despite support from the majority of governors,” Momodu wrote.
Atiku Stripped of Key Powers
After the deal failed, Obasanjo curtailed Atiku’s constitutional responsibilities. Many expected tension, but Atiku responded with composure.
“He respected his boss and doused the tension in the second term. He accepted his fate with uncommon equanimity,” Momodu noted.
Atiku’s calm reaction earned praise as an example of political maturity.
Strong Support from Governors Couldn’t Change the Outcome
Momodu emphasized that Atiku enjoyed widespread backing from influential governors. Their support made him a serious contender to succeed Obasanjo. However, political dynamics shifted, and Obasanjo retained power for a second term.
Post-Vice Presidency: Business Over Politics
After leaving office in 2007, Atiku focused on business. Unlike many of his peers, he built a successful empire. He invested in:
Agriculture and logistics
Education and technology
Trade and private enterprises
Momodu described him as “a man with the Midas touch” and noted that Nigeria would benefit if more leaders followed his example.
Persistent Presidential Ambitions
Atiku served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007. Since then, he has sought the presidency multiple times.
He ran in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections.
In 2023, he finished second to President Bola Tinubu of the APC.
Atiku’s name remains influential in Nigerian politics. His resilience and entrepreneurial success make him a unique figure in the country’s democratic history.
