Obasanjo’s Bribery Allegation Casts Fresh Shadow on Atiku, Says TDF

The Democratic Front (TDF) on Thursday said the recent allegation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar offered a N5 million bribe to the late Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, has raised fresh questions about the former vice president’s integrity and democratic credentials.

The group made the assertion in a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo.

The allegation follows Obasanjo’s recent claim that Atiku allegedly attempted to induce the late Na’Abba with N5 million in a bid to secure his support for moves to impeach him while both men served in office.

Reacting to the development, TDF said although Na’Abba was no longer alive to provide his account of the incident, the allegation deserved serious attention because it came from a former president against his former deputy.

“Although the former House of Representatives Speaker Ghali Na’Abba is not alive to provide further clarity on his alleged role in the bribe-for-impeachment allegation, the fact that it was made by a former President against his own former deputy calls for serious concern and introspection from concerned Nigerians,” the group said.

TDF argued that the latest allegation was not an isolated one, recalling that Obasanjo had, over the years, repeatedly accused Atiku of corruption and political disloyalty.

It also referred to allegations contained in Obasanjo’s memoir, *My Watch*, claiming that Atiku neither challenged them in court nor effectively rebutted them.

“Going by his inability to challenge the accusations through legal action, it will be difficult for anyone to fault Obasanjo’s latest claim that Atiku bribed the late Speaker Na’Abba to get him impeached from office,” the statement said.

The group maintained that the fresh allegation had reopened scrutiny of Atiku’s record in public service and questioned his suitability for higher office.

“In our opinion, former President Obasanjo’s allegations open a new Pandora’s box in the former Vice President’s public service record despite the attempt to deny it,” it stated.

TDF added that Obasanjo was well placed to assess Atiku’s character, having worked closely with him during their administration.

“We are convinced that former President Obasanjo is in a better position to assess Atiku’s performance and character, having worked with him, so we cannot disagree with his verdict on Atiku’s record of service,” the group said.

It urged Nigerians to consider the allegations carefully as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election gather momentum, describing them as another reason for voters to scrutinise Atiku’s record before casting their ballots.

Atiku has consistently denied allegations of corruption made against him over the years, maintaining that they are politically motivated.