Atiku Abubakar and Olusegun Obasanjo are back in a familiar political argument, with Atiku’s camp accusing the former president of political witch-hunting and what it described as a long-running campaign of deceit. The latest exchange has brought their complicated history back into public conversation, but this time it is happening against the backdrop of another major presidential race.
Atiku is already positioning himself for the 2027 election as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, with former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate. The party has submitted both names to the Independent National Electoral Commission, adding another layer of significance to the latest dispute with Obasanjo. As opposition parties continue to negotiate alliances and reshape their political strategies ahead of 2027, attention is once again turning to Atiku’s political career, personal background, family, net worth, and his long and often complicated relationship with some of Nigeria’s biggest political figures.
Who Is Atiku Abubakar?
Atiku Abubakar is a Nigerian politician, businessman and former Vice President of Nigeria. He served as vice president from 1999 to 2007 during the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo.
He has remained one of Nigeria’s most persistent presidential contenders. Over the years, he has contested for the country’s highest office under different political platforms and has maintained a strong presence in national politics.
His career combines public service, business and political leadership. That combination has made him one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
How Old Is Atiku Abubakar?
Atiku Abubakar was born on November 25, 1946, in Jada, in what is now Adamawa State, Nigeria. He is 79 years old in 2026.
His age has become an important subject of political discussion as he prepares for another presidential contest. In April 2026, he described the 2027 presidential election as his final attempt at the presidency.
Where Is Atiku Abubakar From?
Atiku is from Jada in Adamawa State. He grew up in northern Nigeria and began his education under difficult circumstances.
His official biography says his father initially opposed his schooling. Authorities eventually intervened, allowing him to begin formal education. He later described education as one of the major forces that transformed his life.
His early experiences helped shape his later interest in education and youth development.
Atiku Abubakar’s Education
Atiku attended Adamawa Provincial Secondary School in Yola before studying at the School of Hygiene in Kano. He later attended Ahmadu Bello University.
He went on to obtain postgraduate qualifications, including a master’s degree in International Relations. His educational journey has remained an important part of his personal story because he frequently speaks about the role education played in his rise from a modest background to national leadership.
Education has also featured prominently in his public activities. His official platform documents several scholarship and education initiatives associated with him.
Atiku Abubakar’s Early Career
Before entering national politics, Atiku worked in the Nigeria Customs Service. His career in the service provided him with experience in administration, public finance and border operations.
He later moved into business and developed interests in several sectors. His business activities eventually made him a wealthy and influential figure before his rise to national political prominence.
His transition from civil service to business and then politics became the foundation for his long public career.
Atiku Abubakar’s Business Career
Atiku has built business interests across different sectors, including logistics, education, real estate and other investments. He is also associated with the American University of Nigeria in Yola.
His business career has contributed significantly to his public image as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest political figures. However, there is no single independently verified public figure that accurately establishes his current personal net worth.
For that reason, online estimates should be treated as approximations rather than confirmed financial information.
When Did Atiku Become Vice President?
Atiku became Vice President of Nigeria in 1999, serving under President Olusegun Obasanjo. He remained in the position until 2007.
The administration introduced several economic and institutional reforms during their time in office. Atiku was particularly associated with economic management and privatization policies during his tenure.
His time as vice president also established the political relationship with Obasanjo that would later deteriorate into one of Nigeria’s most notable political rivalries.
What Happened Between Atiku and Obasanjo?
Atiku and Obasanjo once worked together at the highest level of government, but their relationship eventually became deeply strained.
The disagreement became especially serious during Obasanjo’s controversial attempt to extend his presidency beyond the constitutional two-term limit. Atiku opposed the move and subsequently became one of the major political figures challenging the administration.
Their political conflict continued after Atiku left the PDP and pursued his own presidential ambitions. The relationship has remained complicated, with both men occasionally appearing together publicly despite their long history of political disagreements.
What Is the Latest Atiku and Obasanjo Controversy?
The latest controversy has brought their old rivalry back into public discussion.
Atiku’s camp has accused Obasanjo of engaging in what it described as a political witch-hunt and orchestrated deceit. The accusations have generated fresh debate among supporters of both politicians, particularly because the two men are now on opposite sides of the political conversation surrounding the 2027 election.
The current dispute should be understood as an exchange of political accusations. Claims made by either side should not automatically be treated as established facts.
The timing is particularly significant because the ADC is now preparing for the 2027 presidential election, with Atiku as its candidate.
Is Atiku Abubakar Running for President in 2027?
Yes. Atiku is the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The party has formally submitted his name and that of Rotimi Amaechi as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates to INEC.
Atiku has also said that the 2027 election will be his final presidential bid. He described the contest as his last opportunity to pursue the presidency after several previous attempts.
His candidacy places him at the centre of the opposition’s effort to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
What Is Atiku’s Political Party?
Atiku is currently with the African Democratic Congress, commonly known as the ADC.
He joined the party as part of the opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 election after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party. The ADC has since become a major platform for opposition figures seeking to challenge the APC.
The party has also positioned itself as a broad opposition coalition, bringing together prominent politicians from different backgrounds.
Atiku Abubakar and the 2027 Election
The 2027 election represents another major chapter in Atiku’s long political career. He has previously contested the presidency several times and came closest to victory in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
His latest bid comes at a time when opposition politics is undergoing significant changes. The ADC has attracted major political figures and is seeking to present itself as a credible alternative to the ruling party.
Atiku has said he will support whoever emerges through the party’s process in statements made earlier in the year, although the ADC has now formally submitted his name as its presidential candidate.
Who Is Atiku Abubakar’s Wife?
Atiku Abubakar has been married several times and has a large family. His wives include Titi Abubakar, Ladi Atiku Abubakar, Princess Rukaiya Atiku Abubakar, Fatima Atiku Abubakar and Jennifer Douglas Abubakar.
His family has remained a subject of public interest throughout his political career. However, he generally keeps many details about his private family life away from the political spotlight.
Atiku is also the father of several children, some of whom have pursued careers in business, public service and other professional fields.
How Many Children Does Atiku Abubakar Have?
Atiku is widely reported to have 28 children. His large family includes children from his different marriages.
Some of his children have become known publicly through their own careers and philanthropic activities, while others maintain a relatively private life.
What Is Atiku Abubakar’s Net Worth?
Atiku Abubakar’s exact net worth is not publicly verified.
He is widely regarded as a wealthy Nigerian businessman and politician with extensive interests in business and education. However, figures published by online platforms vary considerably and are often based on estimates rather than audited financial records.
It is therefore safer to describe him as a wealthy businessman and political figure rather than attach a specific figure to his net worth without reliable financial documentation.
What Is Atiku Abubakar Known For?
Atiku is best known for serving as Nigeria’s Vice President, building a successful business career and repeatedly contesting the presidency.
His political career has spanned several decades and multiple political parties. He has remained a central figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics, particularly during major electoral cycles.
His involvement in the 2027 ADC campaign has now placed him at the centre of another major political contest.
Atiku Abubakar’s Political Journey
Atiku’s political journey began long before he became vice president. He participated in Nigeria’s political activities during the Second Republic and later became involved in the formation of political groups that eventually influenced the country’s democratic transition.
He joined the PDP and became one of its most prominent figures. His relationship with Obasanjo helped take him to the vice presidency, but their later disagreement eventually pushed him toward opposition politics.
Since then, he has contested presidential elections under several platforms, including the Action Congress, PDP and now ADC.
Why Does Atiku Remain Important to Nigerian Politics?
Atiku remains important because of his long experience, national political network and repeated presidential campaigns.
His supporters point to his experience in government and business as major strengths. Critics, meanwhile, question his age, his long pursuit of the presidency and the challenges facing the opposition coalition.
Regardless of political opinion, his role in the 2027 election ensures that his name will remain prominent in Nigerian political discussions.
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Conclusion
Atiku Abubakar’s latest clash with the political camp of former President Olusegun Obasanjo has brought renewed attention to one of Nigeria’s longest-running political rivalries. The controversy is particularly significant because it comes as Atiku prepares to lead the ADC into the 2027 presidential election.
Beyond the latest political exchange, his story covers decades of public service, business, education and presidential campaigns. From his early years in Adamawa to becoming vice president and later one of Nigeria’s most persistent presidential contenders, his career has been closely connected to the country’s democratic development.
His 2027 campaign will be another major test of his political influence. With the ADC now formally presenting him as its presidential candidate, Atiku remains one of the most closely watched figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Atiku Abubakar?
Atiku Abubakar is a Nigerian politician and businessman who served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
How old is Atiku Abubakar?
He was born on November 25, 1946, making him 79 years old in 2026.
Why is Atiku Abubakar trending?
He is attracting fresh attention following a political dispute involving his camp and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, alongside his role in the 2027 opposition campaign.
Is Atiku contesting the 2027 presidential election?
Yes. He is the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
What political party does Atiku belong to?
He currently belongs to the African Democratic Congress, or ADC.
Who was Atiku Abubakar’s former political boss?
Olusegun Obasanjo was his political superior when Atiku served as vice president between 1999 and 2007.
What did Atiku’s camp say about Obasanjo?
His camp accused Obasanjo of political witch-hunting and deceit. These are political allegations from Atiku’s side and should not be presented as established facts.
Who is Atiku Abubakar’s wife?
Atiku has been married several times. His wives include Titi, Ladi, Rukaiya, Fatima and Jennifer.
How many children does Atiku Abubakar have?
He is widely reported to have 28 children.
What is Atiku Abubakar’s net worth?
His exact net worth is not publicly verified. Online estimates vary and should be treated as unofficial.
What did Atiku study?
He studied at institutions including the School of Hygiene in Kano and Ahmadu Bello University and later obtained postgraduate qualifications.