Obasanjo Reflects on His Biggest Regret as President
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his decision to select Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the greatest mistake he made while serving as the country’s leader.
Obasanjo made the statement during a fireside conversation with veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, at the launch of Charly Boy’s memoir and foundation in Lagos.
Responding to a question about the biggest mistake of his presidency, the former president said every leader makes errors, but his choice of vice president remains the one decision he wishes he could change.
“I Would Have Chosen Differently”
According to Obasanjo, he only came to fully understand the character of his former deputy after they had worked together in government.
He explained that if he had possessed that knowledge before the 1999 election, he would never have selected Atiku as his running mate.
When asked directly whether he was referring to Atiku Abubakar, Obasanjo confirmed that he was speaking about his former vice president.
Despite his regrets, Obasanjo stated that he does not hold any personal bitterness against Atiku, saying both men acted according to their convictions during their years in office.
He also expressed gratitude that their political disagreements did not prevent his administration from carrying out its responsibilities.
From Strong Partnership to Political Rivalry
Obasanjo and Atiku were elected as Nigeria’s President and Vice President in 1999 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the country’s return to democratic rule.
During their first term, both leaders worked closely on several economic reforms, with Atiku playing prominent roles in government committees overseeing economic policy and privatization.
However, their relationship later deteriorated during Obasanjo’s second term.
The political fallout intensified after Atiku opposed efforts by supporters of Obasanjo to amend the Constitution to allow a third presidential term.
The disagreement eventually led to a prolonged political crisis, legal disputes, and Atiku’s defection from the PDP ahead of the 2007 general election.
Years of Public Disagreements
Since leaving office, both political figures have repeatedly exchanged accusations over corruption, loyalty, and governance.
Obasanjo’s memoir, My Watch, published in 2014, contained strong criticisms of Atiku, while the former vice president rejected the allegations and accused his former principal of attempting to distort historical events.
Although the two politicians briefly reunited ahead of the 2019 presidential election, when Obasanjo endorsed Atiku’s presidential ambition, the reconciliation did not last.
They have since continued to follow separate political paths, with Obasanjo consistently urging Nigerians to prioritize competence, integrity, and national interest when electing future leaders.