Politics
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 Us on Google Discover
ADC Court Verdict: Step down for Obi, support NDC – Isaac Fayose tells Atiku
Former Kwara Commissioner Adenike Adesida resigns from APC
Despite Court ruling, Atiku leads ADC mega rally in Kebbi amid massive crowd
Two feared killed, 20 abducted as terrorists attack Kaduna community
PSC deploy four commissioners to Plateau, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo
‘Atiku is the greatest threat to Tinubu, without him on the ballot, Tinubu will defeat Obi by over 7 Million votes’ — Deji Adeyanju
2027: Massive crowd as Shettima, Yilwatda lead Tinubu mega rally in Ekiti (Photo)
Tinubu’s visit: Akwa Ibom Police ban drones, fireworks, restrict traffic in Uyo
Akwa Ibom govt declares Friday public holiday ahead of Tinubu’s visit
After Sokoto rally, Tinubu officials held late night meeting to plot judgement against Atiku, we are gathering facts to engage Trump administration – US Lobby Firm
I will revive Calabar Port, restore Cross River tourism – Peter Obi
FCCPC shuts down food firms after oil, salt samples fail fortification tests
NYSC abduction trial: Two defendants deny involvement, beg court for release
‘He hasn’t resumed office, yet he’s tired’ — Oshiomhole takes dig at Obi after exhaustion report
‘There Is No Shaking’ — Atiku reacts to Court judgment, vows to continue ADC campaign, says APC afraid after Sokoto rally
BREAKING: Atiku candidacy voided as Court sacks David Mark-Led ADC leadership, recognises Nafiu Gombe as party chairman
How Peter Obi’s convoy was attacked in Calabar – Details Emerge
FG unveils five digital banks to receive N50,000 monthly cash support
“We cannot allow Peter Obi to fund the election alone” — Aisha Yesufu seeks donations for Obi-Kwankwaso
Atiku tsunami as ADC holds successful presidential campaign rally in Sokoto
Petrol rises to N1,370 per litre as depots increase prices
DSS counters Atiku, says two operatives hurt while protecting Sokoto ADC guber candidate; arrested, jailed man who threatened Obi
Nafiu Gombe celebrates nullification of David Mark-led excos, releases official portrait as ADC chairman
2027: Atiku heads to Sokoto for ADC Presidential campaign flag-off
2027: Atiku arrives Sokoto for ADC Presidential campaign flag-off (Photos)
After Sokoto rally, Tinubu officials held late night meeting to plot judgement against Atiku, we are gathering facts to engage Trump administration – US Lobby Firm
2027: Mammoth crowd welcomes Obi, Kwankwaso to Calabar for Town Hall meeting
“They Are Making Him More Popular” — Reactions trail nullification of Atiku, other ADC candidacies
Tension as Obi/Kwankwaso supporters clash with APC supporters in Calabar, police intervene
