Choosing Atiku as Vice President is the greatest mistake of my life – Obasanjo

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 greatest mistake of his political career.

Obasanjo made the remark on Friday during a fireside chat with veteran entertainer and activist Charly Boy at an event in Lagos organised to unveil the Charly Boy Foundation and launch his memoir, “999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.”

Reflecting on his years in office, the former president said that, with the benefit of hindsight, he would not have selected Atiku as his vice-presidential candidate.

> “I would say the greatest mistake I made was picking Atiku Abubakar as my vice president in 1999,” Obasanjo declared.

He added that he remained grateful that events during his administration did not prevent him from accomplishing his goals as president.

> “There is no bitterness in me over what happened,” Obasanjo said.

> “Despite everything, I was able to achieve what I set out to achieve while in power.”

The former president also addressed long-standing speculation about his ancestry, stating that his family originated from Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

> “I still know our family house there,” he said.

The event attracted several prominent personalities, including former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), businessman Leo Stan Ekeh, book reviewer Dr. Austin Tam-George, veteran broadcaster Bisi Olatilo, and other dignitaries.

During the programme, Leo Stan Ekeh announced donations of ₦20 million each on behalf of Obasanjo and Chief Emeka Anyaoku in support of the foundation.

Obasanjo and Atiku were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999 and jointly served two terms in office between 1999 and 2007.

However, their political relationship later deteriorated during Obasanjo’s second term amid disagreements over governance and political succession, leading to a long-running rivalry that has continued in the years since they left office.

Follow Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!