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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his decision to choose former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the biggest mistake of his time in office. Speaking during a fireside chat at the launch of Charly Boy’s memoir and foundation in Lagos, Obasanjo said that although every leader makes mistakes, selecting his vice president was one decision he would not repeat if given another chance.
Responding to questions about his greatest regret in government, Obasanjo said that what he came to know about Atiku after they assumed office would have changed his choice. He added that despite their later disagreements, he harboured no bitterness, saying he remained focused on serving Nigeria and believed God prevented their differences from harming the country. Obasanjo and Atiku served together from 1999 to 2007, but their relationship deteriorated during Obasanjo’s second term over political disagreements.
The former president also reflected on the Nigerian Civil War, rejecting claims that it amounted to genocide and insisting that military operations under his command sought to minimise civilian casualties. He cited the recapture of Owerri as an example, saying he deliberately avoided bombing the city itself to protect innocent lives. The event was attended by several prominent Nigerians, including Peter Obi, Emeka Anyaoku, Leo Stan Ekeh, and Bisi Olatilo.
