Obasanjo: Picking Atiku as Running Mate Biggest Mistake of My Life

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that choosing Atiku Abubakar as his vice-presidential candidate in the 1999 election was the "greatest mistake" of his political career. Obasanjo made this candid assessment during a recent fireside chat in Lagos.

The two politicians were elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform in 1999, serving together until 2007. Reflecting on their tenure, Obasanjo stated that with the advantage of hindsight, he would not have made the same choice for his second-in-command.

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

Despite the significant fallout in their political relationship over the years, Obasanjo emphasized that he harbors no bitterness. He expressed gratitude that the challenges stemming from their partnership did not impede the progress of his administration during his time 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.

Obasanjo also took the opportunity to address persistent questions about his ancestry, reaffirming that his parents hailed from Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, where he still maintains a family home.

The event, which marked the unveiling of the Charly Boy Foundation and the launch of his memoir, attracted several notable figures. Among them were former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku and presidential candidate Peter Obi. Leo Stan Ekeh of Zinox Group announced a N20 million donation each on behalf of Obasanjo and Anyaoku to support the newly launched foundation.

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I still know our family house there.