How Babangida warned Obasanjo over Atiku’s presidential ambition — Donald Duke

Former Cross River Governor and PRP presidential candidate, Donald Duke, has recounted how former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, allegedly warned former President Olusegun Obasanjo against trusting his then deputy, Atiku Abubakar, during political tensions ahead of the 2003 presidential election.

Duke’s account is contained in a new book by Seun Oloketuyi, titled How to Win Elections in Nigeria, which examines political developments and intrigues surrounding the early years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Duke, who served as Cross River governor from 1999 to 2007, described an informal meeting involving Babangida, former military Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, Obasanjo and Atiku at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

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According to Duke, the relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku had become strained as the president prepared to seek a second term in office.

He said Atiku’s political activities had raised concerns within the administration over his commitment to Obasanjo’s re-election bid.

The disagreement reportedly became a major issue within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with some governors considering alternatives for the vice-presidential slot.

Duke said 10 governors, including himself, met with then PDP National Chairman, Solomon Lar, to discuss possible replacements.

He also recalled receiving a late-night telephone call from Obasanjo, who complained about what he perceived as betrayal by his deputy.

“I urged him to remain calm and promised to fly to Abuja the next morning,” Duke said in the book.

According to his account, Atiku subsequently arranged for Babangida and Abdulsalami to meet with Obasanjo at the Presidential Villa.

Duke said Babangida reminded Obasanjo of agreements allegedly reached following the former president’s release from prison and argued that securing the support of northern political leaders for a second term would be difficult.

Obasanjo reportedly asked whether that represented their final position or whether there was still room for negotiation.

Babangida allegedly replied that further discussions remained possible.

Duke said the most significant exchange occurred after the meeting when Babangida asked Obasanjo to accompany him to the former military ruler’s private study, reportedly on the pretext that he had forgotten his keys.

According to Duke, Babangida then privately warned Obasanjo about Atiku.

“I warned you not to trust that your deputy,” Babangida allegedly told him.

Duke further claimed that Babangida looked at Atiku before telling Obasanjo: “This one cannot rule Nigeria.”

He said the incident illustrated the level of mistrust surrounding the relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku at the time.

Duke also described betrayal as a recurring feature of political relationships, saying his experience in government had taught him that “betrayal is a very crazy thing in politics”.

Obasanjo and Atiku have maintained a strained political relationship since serving as president and vice-president between 1999 and 2007.

The two politicians have, over the years, exchanged allegations relating to corruption, abuse of office and political betrayal.

The dispute resurfaced in July when Obasanjo alleged that Atiku gave the late Ghali Umar Na’Abba, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, N5 million to initiate impeachment proceedings against him during his first term.

Obasanjo made the allegation while responding to comments by former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, concerning political developments ahead of the 2003 election.