Obasanjo Declares Picking Atiku as VP His 'Greatest Mistake'

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has publicly stated that his decision to choose Atiku Abubakar as his running mate for the 1999 presidential election was the "greatest mistake of my life." Obasanjo shared this candid reflection on Friday in Lagos during a fireside chat event that also featured the unveiling of musician and activist Charly Boy's foundation and memoir.

With the benefit of hindsight, Obasanjo indicated that he would not have selected Abubakar as his vice president. "I would say the greatest mistake I made was picking Atiku Abubakar as my vice president in 1999," he stated.

Despite this strong declaration, the former president expressed thankfulness that Abubakar's subsequent actions and overreactions did not ultimately derail his administration or distract him from his governing responsibilities. "There is no bitterness in me over what happened," Obasanjo commented. "Despite everything, I was able to achieve what I set out to achieve while in power."

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I would say the greatest mistake I made was picking Atiku Abubakar as my vice president in 1999.

Obasanjo also addressed ongoing discussions about his roots, confirming that his parents were from Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, and that he still knows his family home there. The event drew several prominent figures, including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and Peter Obi, a presidential candidate. Business mogul Leo Stan Ekeh made a significant contribution, donating N20 million each on behalf of Obasanjo and Chief Emeka Anyaoku.

Obasanjo and Abubakar served together on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket, holding the presidency and vice presidency from 1999 to 2007. Their relationship later deteriorated due to political differences that emerged during their second term in office.

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There is no bitterness in me over what happened. Despite everything, I was able to achieve what I set out to achieve while in power.