By Ambassador M. J. Abubakar-Waziri
London — There comes a time in the life of every nation when its elder statesmen must rise above the passions of yesterday and become custodians of national reconciliation. That time is now.
For nearly two decades, Nigerians have watched with increasing concern the seemingly unending public exchanges between former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and his former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Wazirin Adamawa. What began as a political disagreement following the failed Third Term agenda has gradually evolved into what many now perceive as an enduring personal feud.
No one disputes the fact that political partnerships can collapse. History is replete with examples of trusted allies who eventually found themselves on opposite sides of the political divide. Such disagreements are part of democratic evolution. What is difficult to understand, however, is why a relationship that ended almost twenty years ago continues to dominate public discourse with repeated accusations and recriminations.
During their eight years together in office, President Obasanjo was not merely the Head of State; he was the Commander-in-Chief, vested with the full constitutional powers of his office. If indeed his Vice President committed criminal acts of the magnitude now frequently alleged, one is compelled to ask: why were those matters not conclusively addressed while both men served in government? Why should the loudest accusations emerge long after the curtain has fallen?
It is equally noteworthy that, despite the repeated allegations over the years, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has largely refrained from engaging in a sustained public campaign against his former principal. On several occasions, he reportedly sought reconciliation, choosing dialogue over confrontation. Whether those efforts succeeded is beside the point. They demonstrated a willingness to move beyond the bitterness of the past.
Chief Obasanjo occupies a unique place in Nigeria’s history. Beyond serving twice as President, he is internationally respected as an elder statesman, peace envoy and mediator who has intervened in conflicts across Africa and beyond. It is precisely because of this distinguished record that Nigerians expect him to rise above personal grievances and resist what increasingly appears to be a prolonged campaign against his former deputy.
Statesmanship is measured not by the ability to criticise, but by the wisdom to know when criticism has served its purpose. It demands restraint, fairness and fidelity to evidence. Where allegations of wrongdoing exist, the appropriate forum for determining guilt is the due process of law not the court of public opinion.
For more than two decades, the Wazirin Adamawa has remained one of Nigeria’s most scrutinised political figures. Throughout this period—much of it spent in opposition—he has been the subject of countless allegations. Yet, to public knowledge, he has not been invited, investigated, indicted, prosecuted or convicted by any competent authority in respect of the accusations repeatedly made against him.
If credible evidence exists, it should be presented before the appropriate institutions of justice. If it does not, then the continued public denunciations risk being interpreted less as a pursuit of accountability and more as a personal vendetta. Such an impression serves neither justice nor democracy.
There is also the important question of consistency. Many Nigerians wonder why Chief Obasanjo appears particularly relentless in his criticism of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar while appearing less vocal regarding other political actors whose administrations have equally generated widespread national debate and criticism. The moral authority of an elder statesman is strengthened when his standards are applied consistently rather than selectively.
Nigeria today faces profound economic, political and security challenges. Millions of citizens are looking to their former leaders not for renewed political battles, but for wisdom, reconciliation and constructive national engagement. This is the moment for voices that heal old wounds, strengthen democratic institutions and encourage unity rather than reopen old divisions.
History will ultimately judge Chief Olusegun Obasanjo not only by the offices he occupied but also by how he chose to deploy his immense moral influence after leaving office. His remarkable legacy—as soldier, statesman, democrat and international mediator—deserves to be remembered for building bridges rather than sustaining old political hostilities.
If there is evidence against any citizen, regardless of status, let it be presented before the institutions established by law. If there is none, then justice equally demands restraint.
Nigeria has had enough of political wars fought long after the battlefield has fallen silent. Our democracy will be better served by truth than by insinuation, by reconciliation than by recrimination, and by statesmanship than by personal animosity.
The war has lasted long enough.
It is time to let history record the differences, allow justice to follow its lawful course where necessary, and permit the nation to move forward.
That, ultimately, is the enduring responsibility of true statesmen.
Ambassador M. J. Abubakar-Waziri writes from London, he is a retired public servant, Ambassador, career diplomat and politician.
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