Obasanjo Regrets Choosing Atiku as Running Mate, Calls It Biggest Political Mistake
Obasanjo Regrets Choosing Atiku as Running Mate, Calls It Biggest Political Mistake
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his decision to choose former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the biggest political mistake of his career.
Obasanjo made the remark during a fireside chat with veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, at the unveiling of Charly Boy’s foundation and the launch of his memoir, 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, held in Lagos.
Reflecting on his years in office, the former president acknowledged that every leader makes mistakes but singled out his choice of vice president as the one decision he deeply regrets. He stated that if he had known Atiku as well as he came to know him later, he would not have selected him as his deputy.
Despite his criticism, Obasanjo insisted he harbours no bitterness toward Atiku. According to him, although their political relationship eventually deteriorated, he remained focused on governing the country and was able to accomplish the objectives of his administration without allowing their differences to derail his leadership.
Obasanjo and Atiku were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999 and jointly governed Nigeria until 2007. Their alliance later collapsed following political disagreements during Obasanjo’s second term, resulting in one of Nigeria’s most enduring political rivalries.
The former president also used the occasion to dismiss long-standing speculation about his ancestry, reaffirming that his family hails from Abeokuta in Ogun State. The event attracted several prominent personalities, including former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Labour Party leader Peter Obi, business executive Leo Stan Ekeh, broadcaster Bisi Olatilo, and other distinguished guests.
