Obasanjo calls choosing Atiku as running mate his biggest political mistake

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that selecting Atiku Abubakar as his running mate for the 1999 presidential election was the most significant error of his political career. Obasanjo made this assertion on Friday in Lagos during a conversation with entertainer Charles Oputa, also known as Charly Boy.

“

The man I picked as my running mate, my number two. If I had known him as I came to know him later, I would not have picked him.

Reflecting on his time in office, Obasanjo stated that if he had possessed the knowledge about Abubakar that he gained later, he would not have chosen him. "The man I picked as my running mate, my number two. If I had known him as I came to know him later, I would not have picked him," Obasanjo said. When asked if he was referring to Abubakar, he confirmed, "My vice president. I don’t know what name you want to give him, but my vice president, I mean that."

Obasanjo explained that his experiences in office with Abubakar shaped his later assessment of the former vice president. "Of course, what I know about him later… I would not have picked him. Thank God that God did not allow his actions and reactions to overwhelm me, divert my focus from Nigeria or harm Nigeria," he added. Despite his criticisms, Obasanjo expressed no personal bitterness, attributing their differing paths to their individual beliefs and divine intervention.

“

My vice president. I don’t know what name you want to give him, but my vice president, I mean that.

The relationship between Obasanjo and Abubakar, initially cooperative, soured as political differences intensified. A major point of contention was Obasanjo's rumored attempt to amend the constitution for a third term, which Abubakar opposed. This led to Abubakar leaving the PDP for the Action Congress party and running for president in 2007. Obasanjo declared Abubakar's vice presidential office vacant, but the Supreme Court ruled against his removal, allowing Abubakar to serve until the end of the term.

“

Of course, what I know about him later… I would not have picked him. Thank God that God did not allow his actions and reactions to overwhelm me, divert my focus from Nigeria or harm Nigeria.