Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the choice of his former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, as one of the biggest mistakes of his political career.
Obasanjo made the remark while reflecting on key decision in his life, saying that selecting his “number two” ahead of the 1999 presidential election turned out to be a genuine mistake, though he believes God helped him overcome its consequences.
The former President made the remark in Lagos during a fireside chat with veteran entertainer, Charly Boy, at the unveiling of the Charly Boy Foundation and the launch of his memoir, 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.
Obasanjo, who served from 1999 to 2007 alongside Atiku as Vice President, also identified his refusal to accept political asylum during the late General Sani Abacha’s regime as another major decision that nearly cost him his life.
Reflecting on his time in office, Obasanjo said that, in hindsight, he would not have selected Atiku as his vice-presidential candidate.
“I would say the greatest mistake I made was picking Atiku Abubakar as my vice-president in 1999”, Obasanjo said.
He, however, noted “that he harbours no bitterness over the eventual breakdown of their relationship, adding that the challenges, arising from it did not prevent his administration from achieving its goals”
He also addressed recurring discussions about his ancestry, insisting that his roots are in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he said his family house still stands.
Obasanjo said he had made several mistakes throughout his life but stressed that divine grace had enabled him to overcome them.
His comments have once again drawn attention to his long-drawn-out political difference with Atiku, whose relationship with former President deteriorated before the end of their administration.
-9News Nigeria.
