Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke has shared intriguing details about a warning issued by former military Head of State Ibrahim Babangida to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo concerning Atiku Abubakar's political ambitions. This revelation is part of Duke's insights in a newly released book by Seun Oloketuyi, titled How to Win Elections in Nigeria, which delves into the political dynamics of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Duke, who governed Cross River from 1999 to 2007, recounted an informal meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja involving Babangida, Obasanjo, and Atiku, highlighting the growing tensions as Obasanjo prepared for his second presidential term in 2003. According to Duke, the relationship between the president and his deputy had soured, raising concerns within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding Atiku's loyalty to Obasanjo's re-election campaign.

As the political climate intensified, Duke noted that ten governors, including himself, convened with the then PDP National Chairman Solomon Lar to discuss potential replacements for Atiku on the party's ticket. He recalled a late-night phone call from Obasanjo expressing feelings of betrayal by his deputy, to which Duke advised him to remain calm and promised to travel to Abuja the following morning.

The situation escalated when Atiku facilitated a meeting between Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Obasanjo. During this meeting, Babangida reportedly reminded Obasanjo of prior agreements made after his release from prison and expressed doubts about securing northern political support for Obasanjo’s re-election. Obasanjo sought clarification on whether this was Babangida's final stance or if negotiations could still occur, to which Babangida suggested that further discussions were possible.

The most significant moment, as recounted by Duke, occurred after the meeting when Babangida invited Obasanjo to his private study under the pretense of retrieving forgotten keys. In this private setting, Babangida allegedly cautioned Obasanjo against trusting Atiku, stating, “I warned you not to trust that your deputy,” and further asserted, “This one cannot rule Nigeria,” while gesturing towards Atiku. This exchange underscored the deep mistrust that characterized the relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku during that period.

Duke emphasized that betrayal is a recurring theme in political relationships, reflecting on his own experiences in governance. The strained relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku has persisted since their tenure as president and vice-president from 1999 to 2007, marked by numerous allegations of corruption and political betrayal. Recently, Obasanjo reignited this dispute by accusing Atiku of attempting to initiate impeachment proceedings against him during his first term, a claim that Atiku has consistently denied.

As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, the historical tensions between these political figures continue to resonate, reminding many of the complexities and challenges inherent in the nation’s political landscape.