Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his decision to choose Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the greatest mistake of his political career.
Obasanjo made the remark on Friday during a fireside chat with veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, at an event in Lagos marking 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 years in office, the former president said that, in retrospect, he would not have selected Atiku as his vice president.
“I would say the greatest mistake I made was picking Atiku Abubakar as my vice president in 1999,” Obasanjo said.
He added that he remained grateful that, despite what he described as Atiku’s actions and overreactions, his administration stayed focused on delivering its objectives.
“Despite everything, I was able to achieve what I set out to achieve while in power,” he stated.
Obasanjo also addressed the long-standing debate over his ancestry, affirming that his parents were from Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital.
“I still know our family house there,” he said.
The event was attended by several prominent Nigerians, including former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, business leader Leo Stan Ekeh, veteran broadcaster Bisi Olatilo, and political analyst Dr. Austin Tam-George.
During the occasion, Leo Stan Ekeh announced donations of ₦20 million each on behalf of Obasanjo and Chief Emeka Anyaoku in support of the newly unveiled foundation.
