Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised former President Olusegun Obasanjo over allegations that he sponsored a plot to impeach him while they were in office, accusing the former leader of exploiting the death of ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, for political purposes.

In a statement issued on Friday through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku rejected Obasanjo’s claim that he gave the late Na’Abba ₦5 million to back an impeachment move against him. He argued that making such allegations after Na’Abba’s death was unfair because the former Speaker is no longer alive to confirm or deny the claims.

Atiku questioned why Obasanjo did not raise the allegation while Na’Abba was alive or pursue legal action if there was credible evidence.

He also suggested that the timing of the accusation was politically motivated as preparations for the 2027 general election gather pace, describing it as an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

The former vice president linked their long-running political rift to his opposition to Obasanjo’s alleged third-term agenda, insisting he defended Nigeria’s Constitution and the rule of law.

Atiku said Nigerians are more concerned about pressing national issues such as rising food prices, growing public debt and governance challenges than political disputes from over two decades ago. He added that while Obasanjo is free to support any candidate in the 2027 election, he should do so openly instead of making allegations involving someone who can no longer respond.