‘This One Cannot Rule Nigeria’ — Donald Duke reveals how Babangida secretly warned Obasanjo against trusting Atiku

Former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, has recounted how former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, allegedly warned former President Olusegun Obasanjo against trusting his then deputy, Atiku Abubakar.

Duke, who served as Cross River governor between 1999 and 2007, made the disclosure in a new book by Seun Oloketuyi titled How to Win Elections in Nigeria, which examines political developments and intrigues during the early years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

According to Duke, an informal meeting involving Babangida, former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, Obasanjo and Atiku at the Presidential Villa in Abuja became tense amid growing disagreements between Obasanjo and his deputy.

Duke said the relationship between the two leaders had deteriorated as Obasanjo prepared for his re-election in 2003, with concerns emerging over whether Atiku would continue to support his principal.

The former governor recalled that 10 governors, including himself, later met with Solomon Lar, then National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to discuss possible alternatives for the vice-presidential slot.

Duke said the development deeply worried Obasanjo, who reportedly called him late at night to complain about what he perceived as betrayal by his deputy.

“I urged him to remain calm and promised to fly to Abuja the next morning,” Duke recalled.

Babangida’s warning

Duke said Atiku subsequently arranged for Babangida and Abdulsalami to meet with Obasanjo at the Presidential Villa.

During the meeting, Babangida reportedly reminded Obasanjo of political agreements reached following his release from prison and argued that securing the support of northern political leaders for Obasanjo’s second-term bid would be difficult.

Obasanjo reportedly asked whether that represented their final position or whether there was still room for negotiation.

According to Duke, Babangida responded that further discussions were still possible.

However, Duke said the most striking moment occurred after the meeting appeared to have ended.

He recalled that Babangida claimed he had forgotten his keys inside Obasanjo’s private study and asked the former president to accompany him.

When the two men were alone, Babangida allegedly abandoned his diplomatic tone and warned Obasanjo about Atiku.

«“I warned you not to trust that your deputy,” Babangida reportedly told Obasanjo.»

Duke said that when they returned to the others, Babangida looked at Atiku before turning to Obasanjo and allegedly declared:

«“This one cannot rule Nigeria.”»

The former governor said the encounter demonstrated the depth of the distrust that had developed between Obasanjo and Atiku and showed how seriously their political disagreements were being discussed behind closed doors.

Duke said the episode also reinforced a lesson he learnt during his years in politics: “betrayal is a very crazy thing in politics.”

Obasanjo, Atiku renew political clash

Obasanjo and Atiku have maintained a strained relationship since their time as President and Vice-President between 1999 and 2007, with both men repeatedly exchanging accusations of political betrayal, corruption and abuse of office.

Their long-running feud recently resurfaced after Obasanjo alleged that Atiku gave the late former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, N5 million to initiate impeachment proceedings against him during his first term.

Obasanjo later reiterated his reservations about Atiku and said he regretted choosing him as his running mate.

Atiku, who is now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejected the allegations, accusing Obasanjo of fabricating claims against him for political reasons.

The former vice-president also maintained that his opposition to Obasanjo’s third-term bid was based on his commitment to Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy.

Follow Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!