By Damilola Omosebi
A Tale of Betrayal, Greed, and the Ghosts of the Past
In 2014, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo dropped a political bombshell in his controversial memoir, My Watch. Among the many revelations in the book was a scathing indictment of his former deputy, Atiku Abubakar, whom he accused of insatiable greed, disloyalty, and a penchant for treachery. Obasanjo’s words were not just political mudslinging; they were a chilling prophecy.
Nearly a decade later, as Nigeria grapples with economic turmoil, political instability, and a crisis of leadership, Obasanjo’s warnings about Atiku echo with eerie resonance. The evil that men do, as Shakespeare once wrote, lives after them. And in Atiku’s case, it is playing out in real time.
Obasanjo’s Damning Verdict: “Atiku Cannot Be Trusted”
In My Watch, Obasanjo pulled no punches. He described Atiku as a man driven by naked ambition, a political chameleon who would switch allegiances at the drop of a hat. Most damningly, he accused Atiku of corruption, betrayal, and an obsession with power that superseded any genuine concern for Nigeria.
“Atiku’s greatest failing is his inability to be loyal to anyone but himself. He will smile at you today and stab you in the back tomorrow.” — Obasanjo, My Watch
Obasanjo’s words were not mere bitterness from a fractured political marriage. They were a warning; one that Nigeria is now witnessing in full, tragic display.
The Unraveling of a Political Legacy
Fast forward to 2024. Atiku Abubakar, now a perennial presidential contender, has run for Nigeria’s highest office six times—and failed each time. His latest attempt in 2023 was marred by internal party strife, legal battles, and accusations of betrayal from his own allies. The man who once positioned himself as Nigeria’s savior now stands as a symbol of unfulfilled ambition and political decay.
But the most disturbing part? Obasanjo’s predictions are manifesting in ways even he might not have imagined.
The PDP’s Implosion: A House Divided
Atiku’s leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been nothing short of disastrous. Under his influence, the party has fractured into warring factions. Key figures like Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso abandoned ship, citing Atiku’s inability to foster unity. The PDP, once Nigeria’s dominant political force, is now a shadow of itself; and Atiku’s relentless pursuit of power is a key reason why.
The Betrayal of Allies
From his fallout with Obasanjo to his strained relationship with Wike, Atiku’s political career is littered with broken alliances. Governor Nyesom Wike, who played a crucial role in Atiku’s 2023 campaign, later accused him of dishonesty and selfishness. Sound familiar? It’s the same script Obasanjo warned about; Atiku’s habit of using people and discarding them when they are no longer useful.
The Corruption Allegations That Never Die
Despite his polished image as a “progressive,” Atiku has never fully shaken off corruption allegations. From the infamous Siemens bribery scandal to the more recent revelations in the Pandora Papers, the specter of graft follows him like a persistent ghost. Obasanjo’s assertion that Atiku was “unfit to lead” due to ethical deficiencies now seems less like an attack and more like a grim reality check.
The Tragic Irony: Atiku’s Self-Sabotage
The most bewildering aspect of Atiku’s story is that he had multiple chances to redefine his legacy. Instead, he chose the path of perpetual contention, lawsuits, and political brinkmanship. Even in defeat, he has refused to step aside, clinging to a fading dream while younger, more dynamic leaders emerge.
Obasanjo’s words now read like an epitaph:
“Atiku’s tragedy is that he confuses ambition with destiny. He thinks the presidency is his birthright, but leadership is not about entitlement; it is about trust, integrity, and sacrifice.”
The Evil That Men Do Lives After Them
Nigeria is paying the price for the sins of its political elite. Atiku’s story is not just about one man’s failures; it is a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition, betrayal, and the corrosive nature of power.
Obasanjo saw it coming. The rest of us are now living it.
The evil that men do? It doesn’t just live after them; it haunts the nation they swore to serve.
And Nigeria may never fully recover from it.
What do you think? Was Obasanjo right about Atiku? Or is there still redemption for the former vice president? Share your thoughts in the comments.
