‘Picking Atiku as vice president greatest mistake of my life’ – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called his choice of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as his vice president in the 1999 presidential election the "greatest mistake of my life." The admission came during a public appearance in Lagos on Friday, where Obasanjo participated in a fireside chat with musician and activist Charly Boy. The event marked the unveiling of Charly Boy's foundation and his memoir titled 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa. Speaking candidly, Obasanjo reflected on past decisions with the benefit of hindsight. He stated that had he known the consequences, he would not have selected Atiku as his running mate. "I would say the greatest mistake I made was picking Atiku Abubakar as my vice president in 1999," he said. Despite this regret, Obasanjo expressed gratitude that divine intervention prevented Atiku's actions from derailing his presidency or diverting attention from governance. Obasanjo emphasized that he harbors no bitterness toward Atiku. "There is no bitterness in me over what happened," he remarked. He further noted that despite the challenges, he managed to fulfill the objectives he set during his tenure in power. His remarks were met with a mix of respect and curiosity from attendees, many of whom were familiar with the complex history between the two leaders. During the event, Obasanjo also clarified his family origins, confirming that his parents were from Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. "I still know our family house there," he said, addressing longstanding rumors about his heritage. This clarification was welcomed by some audience members, though others remained skeptical. The gathering featured several notable figures, including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress; business mogul Leo Stan Ekeh, who contributed N20 million each for Obasanjo and Anyaoku; book reviewer Dr. Austin Tam-George; and veteran broadcaster Bisi Olatilo, among others. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion, which combined cultural, political, and personal elements. Obasanjo and Atiku ran together under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 1999 to 2007. Their partnership initially fostered collaboration and mutual support, but tensions emerged during their second term in office. Political disagreements and diverging priorities led to a deterioration in their relationship. While both men played pivotal roles in Nigerian politics, their paths eventually diverged, resulting in a legacy marked by both cooperation and conflict. The event in Lagos offered a rare opportunity for Obasanjo to reflect on his career, acknowledging past choices while reaffirming his accomplishments. His comments on Atiku, however, remain a point of discussion among political analysts and historians. Some view the admission as a sign of maturity, while others see it as an attempt to reconcile historical narratives. Regardless, the conversation continues to shape perceptions of their shared political journey.