Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has revealed how he rejected an attempt by then Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu to become his running mate, saying he opposed a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the country’s interest.
In a Hausa-language video interview shared on X, Atiku said some elders approached him after he won the presidential ticket to discuss Tinubu’s interest in becoming his running mate.
According to him, Tinubu sent five elders, including Tom Ikimi, Bisi Akande and three others, to speak with him.
Atiku said, “He said he would back me to secure the ticket. After I got the ticket, he sent five elders among them Tom Ikimi, Bisi Akande and three others. 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.
“I asked them why they could not tell him that. I told them that I could not accept a Muslim-Muslim ticket, because it would not be of the best interest of our country. He broke away and backed the late President Umaru Musa Ya’adua, may his soul rest in peace.”
Atiku said they parted ways and did not return to the same political camp until 2014, during Buhari’s campaign.
“I returned to Abuja after the convention and Late President Muhamamdu Buhari visited me at my residence. He told me that he had contested the primary election and won, but needed support to win the secondary election, saying he could not win without my support.
“I gave him one condition because I learnt that Tinubu wanted Buhari to pick him as his running mate. I assured him I will support on the condition that he will not do Muslim-Muslim ticket. After about five minutes of thought, he assured me would not.”
Atiku added that after Buhari left, Tinubu sent emissaries to ask about their agreement.
He added. “Tinubu was so upset, saying that Buhari had not kept his promise, and so on. He was eventually calmed down. He later asked Buhari to pick his wife since she is a Christian, but Buhari declined to work with a female running mate.
“Clerics were involved in the ensuing disagreement, but in the end, Tinubu was convinced to nominate Osibanjo who was his Attorney-General and a Christian and Buhari accepted the nomination.”
