Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has publicly described his decision to nominate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as his running mate ahead of the 1999 presidential election as the greatest mistake he made while serving in government.
Obasanjo made the remark on Friday during a fireside conversation with veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, at the unveiling of Charly Boy’s foundation and memoir, 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, in Lagos.
Responding to a question about the biggest mistake of his presidency, Obasanjo acknowledged that every leader makes errors but said his choice of deputy remained the one decision he would reverse if given another opportunity.
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“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,” he said.
When Charly Boy sought clarification on whether he was referring to Atiku Abubakar, the former president replied that he was speaking about his vice president.
Obasanjo said he harboured no bitterness despite their political differences, adding that he remained thankful that the actions of his former deputy never distracted his administration from pursuing its objectives.
He maintained that while both men acted according to their convictions, he remained focused on governance throughout his presidency.
Obasanjo and Atiku were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 1999 and governed Nigeria for two terms until 2007.
Their once-close political alliance later collapsed amid disagreements over succession politics and constitutional issues, leading to one of the country’s most notable political rivalries.
The former president also reflected on the Nigerian Civil War, rejecting allegations that the conflict amounted to genocide.
He described the war as a tragic period for all Nigerians and recalled deliberately avoiding bombing civilian areas during military operations around Owerri to minimise casualties.
Obasanjo further stated that his family hailed from Abeokuta, Ogun State, dismissing longstanding speculation about his roots.
Among those who attended the event were former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election Peter Obi, businessman Leo Stan Ekeh, Dr Austin Tam-George and veteran broadcaster Bisi Olatilo.
Atiku Abubakar had not publicly reacted to Obasanjo’s comments at the time this report was filed.
