Free article preview  

The epic battle between President Obasanjo and his deputy Abubakar is jolting the fragile political system

Locked in a deadly embrace, President Olusegun Obasanjo and his deputy Atiku Abubakar look like two men struggling on a cliff edge as they try to hurl each other into the ravine below. This epic battle, which now dominates politics in Nigeria, doesn't turn on policy or principle; it is a raw battle of power and personality (AC Vol 46 No 17). Vice-President Abubakar wants to stand for president in the 2007 election; President Obasanjo doesn't think he's up to the job of running what could by then be an economy worth US$80 billion a year, with a fast-growing oil and gas industry. Abubakar's supporters suspect that Obasanjo's public campaign against their man has its roots in the President's hidden plans to change the constitution and run for a third term....

(This article contains approximately 1331 words)

end of free article preview

Current subscribers: log in now to read the complete article. Misplaced your password? Then click here for a password reminder.

Not a subscriber? Then you can read this article in full either by becoming a subscriber now, for 3, 6 or 12 months, or you can buy this individual article.

  • Subscribe to Africa Confidential:
  • Buy this article:
  • 3-month subscription
    Prices from £205.00 (+ VAT where applicable)
    6-month subscription
    Prices from £376.00 (+ VAT where applicable)
    12-month subscription
    Prices from £705.00 (+ VAT where applicable)
  • UK & European Union
    £17.00 (+ VAT where applicable)
    Rest of the world
    $27.00

  • If you have a print subscription already, click here for a password that gives you full access to the website.
  • If you are logged in, but still cannot access the full text of this article, email customer services or telephone us on +44(0)1638 743633.

Keywords:

Olusegun Obasanjo, Atiku Abubakar, United States, Jennifer, William Jefferson, Ghana, Aliu Mahama, Orji Kalu, , Nuhu Ribadu, Fear and loathing in Abuja, Sani Abacha, Aminu Masari, Umar Musa Yar'Adua, Coups are us, David Mark, Ibrahim Babangida, Britain, Ahmadu Alli, Ujuoma Madueke, Audu Ogbeh, This Day