Obasanjo Labels 1999 Vice-President Pick Biggest Mistake

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his decision to select Atiku Abubakar as his vice-presidential running mate in 1999 as the greatest mistake of his political career. The comment, made during a public conversation in Lagos on Friday, July 31, 2026, has reignited a decades-long feud between the two men who led Nigeria's return to civilian rule.

Obasanjo made the remark at an event unveiling a foundation and memoir by entertainer Charles Oputa, known as Charly Boy. When asked to identify a major mistake from his presidency, Obasanjo reflected on his choice of deputy, stating that with the benefit of hindsight, he would not have selected the individual who served as his vice president from 1999 to 2007. He did not mention Atiku by name but repeatedly referred to "my running mate" and "my vice president," saying what he later learned about the person made him grateful the situation did not overwhelm his administration. Obasanjo added he holds no bitterness, acknowledging his former deputy acted on his own beliefs.

In a detailed statement issued on Saturday, August 1, 2026, Atiku Abubakar, now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress,...