Obasanjo Calls Atiku His Biggest Political Mistake

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described his choice of Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the greatest mistake of his political career. This statement was made during a fireside chat with Charles Oputa, also known as Charly Boy, in Lagos on a Friday, coinciding with the unveiling of the Charly Boy Foundation and the launch of Charly Boy's memoir, “999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.” Obasanjo reflected on his tenure, stating that with hindsight, he would not have chosen Atiku, who served as Vice President alongside him from 1999 to 2007 under the Peoples Democratic Party.

Despite acknowledging this error, Obasanjo expressed no bitterness over their fractured relationship, emphasizing that it did not hinder his administration's goals. The event also featured notable attendees, including former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Leo Stan Ekeh announced a donation of N20 million each from himself and Obasanjo to support the newly established foundation.