During a world press conference in Abuja, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), shed light on the dynamics between himself, President Bola Tinubu, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2007.

Atiku disclosed that in 2003, he had asked Obasanjo to let Tinubu govern Lagos State because the PDP had already gained control of the entire Southwest region.

Atiku emphasized that he won the primary election held in Lagos on merit, despite Tinubu’s lack of support. He explained that Tinubu later approached him, proposing to be his running mate, but Atiku declined due to his preference for a religiously diverse ticket. He maintained his stance against a Muslim-Muslim ticket, stating that he would never support it.

Furthermore, Atiku revealed that in the 2007 elections, Tinubu worked in favor of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, despite Atiku’s previous support for Tinubu in 2003. Atiku recalled how he had intentionally left Lagos State for Tinubu while the PDP secured control over other states in the South-West region.

These remarks were made by Atiku during his press conference, which aimed to address the Chicago State University saga.