Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that he turned down President Bola Tinubu's offer to become his running mate due to his strong opposition to a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. This revelation adds a significant chapter to the long-standing political rivalry between the two leaders.

In a recent interview conducted in Hausa and shared on social media platform X, Atiku recounted how, after securing the presidential ticket, he was approached by five emissaries, including notable figures like Tom Ikimi and Bisi Akande, who conveyed Tinubu's interest in joining his ticket. Atiku stated, "They told me that Tinubu wanted to be my running mate. I told them that, as Christians, they should understand that it was inappropriate for me to pick a Muslim as my running mate."

Atiku emphasized that he could not accept a Muslim-Muslim ticket, asserting that it would not serve the best interests of Nigeria. This decision effectively ended any political alliance between him and Tinubu at that time, leading Tinubu to support the late President Umaru Musa Yar'adua.

The political dynamics shifted again in 2014 when Atiku revealed that he had a pivotal conversation with the late President Muhammadu Buhari. After Buhari secured the APC primary, he visited Atiku to seek his support for the general election. Atiku agreed to back Buhari on the condition that he would not choose Tinubu as his running mate. After some deliberation, Buhari reportedly assured Atiku that he would not pursue a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

However, this agreement did not sit well with Tinubu, who was upset by what he perceived as a betrayal of their prior understanding. Following this, Tinubu suggested that Buhari consider his wife as a potential running mate, but Buhari declined the proposal, leading to further complications. Ultimately, the choice fell on Yemi Osinbajo, who was serving as the Attorney-General in Lagos and is a Christian, a decision that was accepted by Buhari.

Atiku's account sheds light on the intricate negotiations and personal tensions that have characterized Nigerian politics over the years. Their rivalry has been marked by a series of political maneuvers and shifting allegiances, reflecting the complex interplay of religion and politics in the country.

In another recent development, Atiku condemned the escalating security issues in Nigeria, particularly following the tragic death of former House of Representatives member Abba Anas Adamu, who was reportedly killed after being kidnapped by bandits along the Kaduna-Abuja highway. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing the nation and the urgent need for effective governance and security measures.