‘Picking Atiku as VP Was 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 biggest political mistake of his life.

Obasanjo made the remark on Friday in Lagos during a fireside chat with veteran entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy.

The event was organised to unveil Charly Boy’s foundation and memoir titled “999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.”

Speaking before a gathering of political leaders, business executives and notable Nigerians, the former president reflected on key moments of his political journey and openly revisited his decision to pick Atiku as his deputy at the beginning of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

“I would say the greatest mistake I made was picking Atiku Abubakar as my vice president in 1999,” Obasanjo said.

The former Nigerian leader explained that looking back at events that unfolded during and after their years in office, he would have made a different choice.

Although he did not elaborate extensively on the specific actions that informed his conclusion, Obasanjo said he remained grateful that the challenges that emerged during his administration did not prevent him from carrying out his responsibilities as president.

“There is no bitterness in me over what happened,” he said.

“Despite everything, I was able to achieve what I set out to achieve while in power.”

Obasanjo and Atiku were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999 following Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.

They served together for eight years, overseeing the country’s transition from military governance and implementing a series of economic and political reforms.

However, their relationship deteriorated significantly during their second term in office.

Over the years, both leaders have repeatedly exchanged criticisms, particularly during election seasons.

At the Lagos event, Obasanjo also addressed claims and debates that have occasionally surrounded his ancestry and place of origin.

The former president maintained that his roots are firmly in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

“My parents came from Abeokuta,” he said.

“I still know our family house there.”

The gathering attracted several prominent personalities from across the country. Among those present were former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi; founder of Zinox Technologies, Leo Stan Ekeh; veteran broadcaster Bisi Olatilo; and public affairs analyst Dr Austin Tam-George.

During the programme, Leo Stan Ekeh announced donations of N20 million each on behalf of Obasanjo and Chief Emeka Anyaoku in support of the initiative being unveiled by Charly Boy.

However, the latest comments are not the first time Obasanjo has publicly spoken about his former deputy.

Recall on October 2018, the former president surprised many Nigerians when he publicly reconciled with Atiku and endorsed him for the presidency ahead of the 2019 general election.

The reconciliation meeting took place at Obasanjo’s residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, after years of political hostility between the two leaders.

At the event, Obasanjo openly acknowledged that both men had reviewed their differences and agreed to move forward.

“Let me start by congratulating President-to-be, Atiku Abubakar, for his success at the recent PDP Primary,” Obasanjo said.

He added: “Yes, when it started, it was meant for Atiku to succeed Obasanjo.”

The former president further stated that he had reassessed Atiku’s conduct and believed the former vice president had changed.

“In all honesty, my former Vice-President has re-discovered and re-positioned himself,” Obasanjo said.

“And in all honesty, my former Vice-President has re-discovered and re-positioned himself.”

The endorsement marked a dramatic turn in their relationship because only months earlier, Obasanjo had strongly opposed Atiku’s presidential ambition.

In an interview published on August 5, 2018, Obasanjo declared that he could not support Atiku for the nation’s highest office.

“If I support Atiku for anything, God will not forgive me,” he said.

The former president maintained at the time that his position was based on what he considered the national interest and not personal grievances.