Olusegun Obasanjo, Former Nigerian President, has delivered a scathing reflection on his time in office, describing his selection of Atiku Abubakar as his vice-presidential running mate in 1999 as the single biggest mistake of his presidency.

Speaking during a candid fireside chat with activist and entertainer Charles “Charly Boy” Oputa in Lagos, the former head of state admitted that hindsight completely altered his view of his former deputy. The exchange took place during the official launch of the Charly Boy Foundation and the presentation of the memoir 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, where Obasanjo was asked directly about his greatest leadership regret.

“If I had known him as I came to know him later, I would not have picked him,” Obasanjo revealed, offering a rare, unvarnished look into one of the most turbulent executive partnerships in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

The political pairing initially brought together two formidable political forces under the banner of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), successfully steering Nigeria back to democratic rule in 1999. However, the alliance deteriorated dramatically during their second term between 2003 and 2007. The administration became defined by bitter public exchanges, intense power struggles over presidential succession, and deep political divides surrounding the controversial third-term constitutional amendment debate.

Despite the deep friction that defined their remaining years in office, Obasanjo maintained that the fallout failed to undermine his administration’s broader national agenda. He expressed gratitude that the political manoeuvring of the period did not derail the government’s economic and structural reforms.

Reflecting on the rift without animosity,  rather than an ongoing feud. “Thank God his actions and reactions did not overwhelm me or divert my focus from Nigeria,” Obasanjo added. “There is no bitterness. He did things he believed he should do, and God did things He needed to do.”

Athekame Kenneth is a politics, economy, and finance reporter whose work is anchored in sharp investigative storytelling. He brings analytical depth to every piece, drawing on a strong academic foundation that includes a degree in Economics, an MBA in International Trade, and a minor in Petroleum Economics from Lagos State University, Ojo. His reporting blends rigorous research with a keen eye for hidden truths, delivering stories that illuminate power, policy, and the forces shaping everyday lives.