Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has warned that the long-standing political rivalry between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may persist until one of them passes away. Speaking on Saturday, Sani described the feud as a decades-long conflict that has outlived generations, with both men continuing to exchange sharp criticisms despite their advanced ages. He noted that Atiku’s recent remarks have triggered a renewed wave of attacks from Obasanjo, whom he referred to as launching “hypersonic missiles” in response to what he called Atiku’s “devastating bomb.”
Sani made his comments in a post on X, where he reflected on the enduring nature of the political dispute. He stated that the conflict began during a time when Generation Z was still in nursery and primary school, highlighting how deeply rooted the enmity is. Even now, as that generation has completed university, started families, and built careers, the rivalry remains unresolved. According to Sani, the feud has lasted for over two decades, with each side consistently responding to the other’s provocations.
The latest escalation came when Obasanjo publicly declared that selecting Atiku as his running mate in 1999 was his biggest mistake. This comment reignited old tensions, prompting Atiku to respond with pointed criticisms of his former principal. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate has since reopened several past disagreements, rehashing issues from their time in government and beyond. Their public exchanges have drawn attention across Nigeria’s political landscape, with many observers noting the bitterness that continues to define their relationship.
Sani’s observation underscores how personal and political grievances can endure for years, even among leaders who once worked closely together. His use of vivid metaphors — such as “hypersonic missiles” and “devastating bomb” — illustrates the intensity of the ongoing battle, which has become more symbolic than practical in recent years. Despite their age and the passage of time, neither man appears willing to let go of the past.
As Nigeria prepares for upcoming elections and political realignments, the legacy of this feud serves as a reminder of the deep divisions that can persist within the country’s leadership. The continued hostility between Obasanjo and Atiku may influence future political alliances and voter perceptions, particularly among those who remember their earlier clashes. For now, Sani’s prediction suggests that only death may bring an end to this chapter of Nigerian political history.
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