Obasanjo Calls Atiku Selection His Greatest Mistake

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo revealed that selecting Atiku Abubakar as his vice president during the 1999 presidential election remains his greatest mistake. He made this statement on Friday during a fireside chat with musician and activist Charly Boy in Lagos, coinciding with the launch of Charly Boy’s foundation and memoir.

Obasanjo reflected that he would have made a different choice if given another chance but acknowledged that Atiku's actions did not prevent his administration from achieving its goals. He expressed no bitterness regarding their past collaboration, stating, “Despite everything, I was able to achieve what I set out to achieve while in power.” Additionally, Obasanjo discussed his ancestry, affirming his family's roots in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The event was attended by notable figures, including former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Peter Obi of the National Democratic Congress, and business mogul Leo Stan Ekeh, who announced a donation of N20 million each on behalf of Obasanjo and Anyaoku.