# Atiku-Obasanjo feud and 2027 election tensions intensify > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/atiku-abubakar-controversy-ahead-of-2027-election > Updated: 2026-08-20T11:40:41.000Z. Sources: 67. Developments: 7. The rivalry between Atiku Abubakar and Olusegun Obasanjo has intensified as the 2027 election approaches. Obasanjo recently hosted opposition governors in Abeokuta, fueling speculation of a mega-coalition, while reiterating that choosing Atiku as his deputy was a “major mistake.” Atiku has dismissed these claims as a “two-decade campaign of lies, political manipulation and orchestrated deceit.” Atiku has formally declared that the 2027 election will be his final presidential bid under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Central to his platform is the Atiku Economic Recovery Plan (AERP), which proposes a production-focused petroleum subsidy model. He has pledged to restore the petrol subsidy if elected, arguing that the current administration has failed to transparently account for funds saved since the 2023 removal. He stated that under his leadership, the subsidy would “follow the barrel” and be subject to strict auditing. His media team clarified he is not proposing a return to the old regime, but rather a model shifting support from fuel importation to local production through Nigerian refineries. This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from the Nigerian Presidency and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the plan as “retrogressive” and “fiscally unsustainable,” while the APC has labeled it a “volte-face” and a desperate populist attempt. Wike dismissed Atiku as a “voodoo economist,” questioning his consistency. In contrast, the Ministry of Finance reported that subsidy removal mobilized approximately N15.8 trillion for the federation between June 2023 and December 2025. The Presidency has since challenged Abubakar to provide a detailed fiscal and legal framework for his plan, warning that reintroducing the subsidy could increase public debt and reduce funding for essential services. ## Claims - WTO Director‑General Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala praised the economic management team of Obasanjo’s era as “the best Nigeria has ever had”. (disputed by 4 sources) - WTO Director‑General Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala praised the Tinubu‑era economic management team as 'the best Nigeria has ever had'. (disputed by 4 sources) - Atiku said he fed and clothed Obasanjo after his release from prison. (disputed by 3 sources) - Atiku said he fed and clothed Obasanjo during his imprisonment. (disputed by 2 sources) - Olusegun Obasanjo said picking Atiku Abubakar as his 1999 running mate was his biggest mistake. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Atiku Abubakar promised to restore the petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Atiku Abubakar defended his role in blocking Obasanjo’s third‑term agenda, saying he chose Nigeria and the Constitution over personal loyalty. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Obasanjo made the comment in Lagos during a fireside chat with Charles Oputa (Charly Boy). (corroborated by 6 sources) - Olusegun Obasanjo served as President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 with Atiku Abubakar as Vice President. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Obasanjo said he holds no personal bitterness toward Atiku despite the criticism. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Obasanjo’s remarks revived a long‑standing political feud between him and Atiku. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Atiku Abubakar was the Peoples Democratic Party vice‑presidential candidate in the 1999 election. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: Atiku Abubakar pledges to restore fuel subsidy in 2027 campaign Atiku Abubakar has pledged to restore Nigeria's fuel subsidy if elected in 2027, sparking intense criticism from the APC and Nyesom Wike, while Peter Obi formally launches his 2027 presidential campaign. 46 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atiku-abubakar-pledges-to-restore-fuel-subsidy-in-2027-bid ### 2026-08-20: Donald Duke recounts IBB’s warning to Obasanjo regarding Atiku Former Governor Donald Duke recounted how General Ibrahim Babangida warned President Olusegun Obasanjo about the political ambitions of his deputy, Atiku Abubakar, during the early Fourth Republic. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-duke-recounts-ibbs-warning-to-obasanjo-regarding-atiku ### 2026-08-09: Atiku Abubakar clashes with Obasanjo and Tinubu administration Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has clashed with former President Olusegun Obasanjo over historical political allegations and with the Tinubu administration over Nigeria's security situation. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atiku-abubakar-disputes-obasanjos-impeachment-allegations ### 2026-08-04: Olusegun Obasanjo meets opposition governors in Abeokuta as 2027 election plans unfold Olusegun Obasanjo met opposition governors in Abeokuta to discuss a possible 2027 coalition, while his enduring feud with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar resurfaced. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olusegun-obasanjo-meets-opposition-governors-in-abeokuta-as-2027-election-plans-unfold ### 2026-08-01: Atiku Abubakar Rebuts Obasanjo, Defends Constitution Amid 2027 Election Campaign Obasanjo regrets picking Atiku as 1999 running mate; Atiku rebuts, citing his opposition to a third‑term agenda, feeding Obosanjo in prison, and defending Nigeria’s constitution. The Tinubu government counters, 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olusegun-obasanjo-says-choosing-atiku-abubakar-was-his-biggest-presidential-mistake ### 2026-07-23: Atiku rejects Obasanjo bribery claim, warns of political agenda ahead of 2027 election ADC candidate Atiku Abubakar denounces former President Obasanjo’s revived N5 million bribery claim, calling it a political ploy ahead of the 2027 election and urging Obasanjo to disclose his true support. 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olusegun-obasanjo-denies-accusations-of-deceiving-ad-leaders-in-2003 ### 2026-07-23: Atiku Abubakar Faces Calls for Democratic Reform and Past Criticism Ahead of 2027 Campaign Owolabi Salis meets Atiku to discuss democratic reforms, while a resurfaced 2023 clip shows Kenneth Okonkwo's harsh criticism of Atiku ahead of his 2027 campaign appointment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atiku-abubakar-faces-calls-for-democratic-reform-and-past-criticism-ahead-of-2027-campaign --- Cite as: Atiku-Obasanjo feud and 2027 election tensions intensify. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/atiku-abubakar-controversy-ahead-of-2027-election