Choosing Atiku as vice president greatest mistake of my life — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that selecting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election remains the greatest mistake he has made.

Obasanjo made the remark on Friday during a fireside chat with maverick musician and activist Charly Boy in Lagos. 

The session formed part of the unveiling of Charly Boy’s foundation and the launch of his memoir, 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

Reflecting on his choice of a vice-presidential candidate, the former president said he would have made a different decision if given another opportunity.

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

Obasanjo said he remained grateful that, despite the challenges that arose, Atiku’s actions and reactions did not prevent his administration from delivering on its objectives or divert his attention from governance.

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

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

The former Nigerian leader also spoke about his ancestry, dismissing doubts over his origin by saying his parents came from Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

“I still know our family house there,” he said.

Several notable personalities attended the event, including former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, NDC; business mogul Leo Stan Ekeh, who announced a donation of N20 million each on behalf of Obasanjo and Chief Emeka Anyaoku; book reviewer Dr Austin Tam-George; veteran broadcaster Bisi Olatilo; and other dignitaries.