Kukah Urges Politicians to Learn from Obasanjo-Atiku Ties

March 26, 2025 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

Bishop Mathew Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese has advised Nigerian politicians to learn from the partnership between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his vice, Atiku Abubakar, pointing out that despite differences, they were able to work together.

Kukah compared their relationship to a “Catholic marriage,” where disagreements occur but do not lead to a permanent split. He also criticised Nigeria’s democratic system, arguing that it primarily serves a privileged few while putting immense pressure on the judiciary.

Kukah made these remarks on Monday during a colloquium in Abuja.

The speech was delivered at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel during an event celebrating the 60th birthday of former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha. The colloquium was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Kukah used the occasion to assess democracy in Africa, expressing concern over the Nigerian system and its flaws. He highlighted the struggles judges face in maintaining justice amid political pressures and warned against the “weaponisation of religion” in Nigerian politics.

Bishop Matthew Kukah’s Statements

“The relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku is like a Catholic marriage. You will quarrel without breaking up,” he remarked. “I feel sorry for judges. At the last election, even little me, I had people calling me, complaining, ‘Talk to this, talk to that.’ There was pressure on judges to deliver justice. Democracy is about everything, and it’s about justice.”

Responding to Kukah’s comments, Obasanjo acknowledged that his time in office with Atiku was not without conflict but insisted that leadership required compromise. “We had our differences, but leadership is about making things work for the greater good,” he stated.

Atiku, who was not present at the event, later reacted to Kukah’s remarks through his media aide. “The vice president and president do not always see eye to eye, but what matters is finding common ground for the progress of the nation,” his spokesperson said.

Former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, celebrating his 60th birthday, appreciated Kukah’s thought-provoking speech. “Nigeria needs more honest conversations like this. Democracy is not perfect, but it’s up to us to strengthen it,” he said.

Kukah concluded by reiterating that democracy, like religion, is a continuous struggle for justice and reform. He urged Nigerian leaders to prioritise good governance over personal interests.