Choosing Atiku as running mate was my biggest political mistake - Obasanjo
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo stated that choosing Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in 1999 was the biggest political mistake of his career. He noted that his later experiences with Abubakar in office informed this assessment, though he claims to hold no personal bitterness.
Why it matters
Reflections from former heads of state provide historical context to political dynamics and power struggles within major nations.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his decision to select Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the biggest mistake of his political career.
Mr Obasanjo disclosed on Friday in Lagos while speaking with veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, during a fireside chat at the unveiling of the Charly Boy Foundation and the launch of the entertainer’s memoir, 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.
The former president was reflecting on his political career and the decisions he made during his time in office when he was asked about his choice of a running mate in 1999.
Mr Obasanjo said he would not have picked Atiku had he known at the time what he later learned about him.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in