Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has alleged that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar financed efforts to impeach him during their time in office, claiming that N5 million was provided to lawmakers to advance the plot.
Obasanjo made the claim in remarks contained in his newly released memoir, where he reflected on the political tensions that characterised his administration and his relationship with Atiku.
According to the former president, the alleged impeachment campaign was part of a broader political struggle that deepened divisions within the administration and strained ties between both leaders.
Financial support was provided to facilitate the process, and Atiku gave Na’Abba N5 million to start his impeachment work.
“Na’Abba’s impeachment began at the presidency by the Vice-President, who on a Friday when I was out of the office, invited Na’Abba to his office and convinced him, as he had convinced himself and some others but of insignificant number, that I should have only one term as President,” Obasanjo claimed.
He maintained that the move was orchestrated to destabilise his government, alleging that financial inducements were deployed in an attempt to secure legislative backing for his removal from office.
“On the Friday, Atiku invited Na’Abba; he gave him N5 million to begin his impeachment work. It was all noted, recorded and reported to me by my Chief of Staff, a professional intelligence officer,” he added.
The latest allegation adds another chapter to the long-running political rivalry between Obasanjo and Atiku, whose relationship deteriorated sharply during the latter years of the former president’s administration.
At the time of filing this report, Atiku had not publicly responded to Obasanjo’s claims.
