Donald Duke: IBB Told Obasanjo That Atiku ‘Cannot Rule Nigeria’

Former Cross River governor Donald Duke says Ibrahim Babangida once warned Olusegun Obasanjo not to trust his then deputy, Atiku Abubakar. Duke recounted the alleged private exchange in a new book on Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He said tensions had grown between Obasanjo and Atiku ahead of the 2003 election, with PDP leaders discussing possible replacements for the vice-presidential ticket. According to Duke, Babangida told Obasanjo after a meeting at the Presidential Villa that he had warned him about his deputy. Duke said Babangida later looked at Atiku and allegedly told Obasanjo: “This one cannot rule Nigeria.” The account comes amid renewed public exchanges between Obasanjo and Atiku over alleged betrayal, impeachment moves and Obasanjo’s failed third-term bid.

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