Obasanjo Says Choosing Atiku As Running Mate Was His Greatest Mistake

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his decision to choose Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in 1999 as the biggest mistake of his life.

Obasanjo made the remark in Lagos during a Friday conversation with musician and activist Charly Boy. The comment has reopened attention on the long-running political rift between the former president and the man who served as his deputy between 1999 and 2007.

Vanguard reported Obasanjo as saying he made many mistakes in life, including picking Atiku as vice-president, but added that God saved him from what he called a genuine mistake. Daily Post also reported the same remark, describing it as part of his comments at the Lagos event.

Obasanjo and Atiku governed together after Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999, but their relationship later broke down publicly during their second term. Atiku has since remained a major opposition figure and contested several presidential elections.

The former president also used the appearance to speak about leadership, past decisions and lessons from public life.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post