'Picking Atiku as vice president greatest mistake of my life'
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo publicly stated that selecting Atiku Abubakar as his vice president in 1999 was his greatest mistake. The comments were made during a foundation unveiling event in Lagos.
Why it matters
This statement reflects on a pivotal era of Nigerian political history and highlights the enduring personal and political rifts within the country's leadership.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his decision to pick Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the biggest mistake of his life.
Obasanjo made the statement on Friday in Lagos during a fireside chat with maverick musician and activist Charly Boy. The event was held to unveil Charly Boy’s foundation and his memoir, “999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa”.
According to Obasanjo, with hindsight he would not have chosen Atiku as vice president.
“I would say the greatest mistake I made was picking Atiku Abubakar as my vice president in 1999,” he said.
The former president added that he was thankful God did not allow Atiku’s actions and overreactions to derail his administration or distract him from governing the country.
“There is no bitterness in me over what happened,” Obasanjo said.
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