Obasanjo: Picking Atiku as Vice President in 1999 Was My Biggest Mistake

By Queen Madaki

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his decision to choose Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the biggest mistake of his political career.

Obasanjo Reflects on 1999 Presidential Election

Obasanjo made the revelation 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.”

Reflecting on his political decisions with the benefit of hindsight, the former president said he would not have selected Atiku as his vice-presidential running mate in 1999.

‘My Greatest Mistake Was Picking Atiku’

According to Obasanjo, his choice of Atiku as vice president was the biggest mistake he made.

“I would say the greatest mistake I made was picking Atiku Abubakar as my vice president in 1999,” he said.

Obasanjo Says Atiku’s Actions Did Not Derail His Government

The former president, however, said he was grateful that God did not allow what he described as Atiku’s actions and overreactions to derail his administration.

He added that despite the challenges, he was able to remain focused on governing the country and did not allow the situation to distract him from his responsibilities as president.

The Bureau Journal reports that Obasanjo and Atiku served together at the federal level between 1999 and 2007, after winning the 1999 presidential election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).