Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s declaration that choosing Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in 1999 was “the greatest mistake” of his presidency is more than another chapter in their decades-long rivalry. It is a reminder of how one political relationship has shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey, and could still influence conversations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obasanjo made the remark during a fireside chat with veteran entertainer Charly Boy at the unveiling of the Charly Boy Foundation and the launch of his memoir in Lagos. Asked about the biggest mistake of his presidency, Obasanjo did not hesitate.
“If I had known him as I came to know him later, I would not have picked him.”
Although he never mentioned Atiku’s name at first, he later confirmed he was referring to his former vice president. He added that he held no bitterness, insisting that despite their political disagreements, he remained focused on governing Nigeria and believed God prevented their differences from derailing his administration.
Why did their relationship collapse?
When Obasanjo and Atiku were elected on the PDP ticket in 1999, they were widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s strongest political partnerships. Atiku played a central role in the administration’s economic reforms and chaired the National Council on Privatisation.
However, the relationship deteriorated dramatically during Obasanjo’s second term.
Their disagreements centered on:
- Obasanjo’s alleged third-term agenda, which Atiku opposed.
- Internal battles for control of the PDP.
- Corruption allegations exchanged between both camps.
- Atiku’s eventual departure from the PDP to contest against Obasanjo-backed candidates in later elections.
Since leaving office in 2007, Obasanjo has repeatedly criticized Atiku’s presidential ambitions, arguing that Nigeria deserves different leadership. Atiku has consistently rejected those criticisms and maintained that his record speaks for itself.
What does this mean now?
Obasanjo’s latest comments are unlikely to change Atiku’s political base, but they are significant because they come as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to realign ahead of the 2027 elections.
As one of the country’s most influential elder statesmen, Obasanjo’s words still carry weight within sections of the political establishment. His renewed criticism is expected to fuel fresh debate over leadership, succession and the legacy of one of Nigeria’s most consequential political partnerships.
More than two decades after they first took office together, the Obasanjo-Atiku relationship remains one of the defining stories of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic—and it appears far from over.
