Obasanjo reveals biggest mistake

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his decision to pick former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the greatest mistake of his political career.

Obasanjo made the remark on Friday in Lagos during a fireside chat with veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as 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.”

Political reflection

The former president reflected on his years in office, saying that with the benefit of hindsight, he would not have selected Atiku as his vice-presidential candidate.

Obasanjo and Atiku were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 1999 and served as president and vice president until the end of their administration in 2007.

Speaking on the choice he made more than two decades ago, Obasanjo said it remained the biggest political error of his career.

“I would say the greatest mistake I made was picking Atiku Abubakar as my vice president in 1999,” he said.

No bitterness

Despite his criticism of the decision, Obasanjo said he bore no resentment over the breakdown of his relationship with Atiku.

He noted that although their partnership eventually collapsed, he remained grateful that the disagreements did not prevent his administration from pursuing its objectives.

“There is no bitterness in me over what happened. Despite everything, I was able to achieve what I set out to achieve while in power,” he said.

Ancestry clarified

Obasanjo also addressed the long-running debate about his ancestry, insisting that his roots are firmly in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

He said his parents hailed from the city and added that he still knows the location of the family’s ancestral home.

“I still know our family house there,” he said.

Foundation unveiled

The event marked the official unveiling of the Charly Boy Foundation, alongside the launch of Charly Boy’s memoir in honour of his late father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

The gathering attracted several prominent Nigerians from politics, business and the media, who attended to celebrate the occasion and support the foundation’s objectives.

The memoir chronicles the life and legacy of the late jurist, who was widely respected for his contributions to Nigeria’s judiciary.

Dignitaries attend

Among those present were former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Chairman of Zinox Group Leo Stan Ekeh, book reviewer Dr Austin Tam-George and veteran broadcaster Bisi Olatilo.

The event also drew other distinguished guests from different sectors, reflecting the wide influence of both Obasanjo and Charly Boy.

During the programme, discussions centred on leadership, democracy, justice and national development.

N40m support announced

In a show of support for the newly established Charly Boy Foundation, Leo Stan Ekeh announced a donation of N20 million each on behalf of Obasanjo and Anyaoku.

The combined N40 million contribution is expected to support the foundation’s programmes and activities.

The announcement was warmly received by guests, bringing the event to a close on a note of optimism about the foundation’s future initiatives.