It was an evening in Ikoyi that promised a book launch but delivered something closer to a confessional. Veteran entertainer Charly Boy had gathered Nigeria’s elite at the Alliance Française de Lagos for the public presentation of his memoir, 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy. By the night’s end, the spotlight shifted to a startlingly candid admission from the book’s chief host, former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Seated for a fireside conversation with Charly Boy, the former president was asked directly to name the single greatest mistake of his presidency. He did not deflect. “The man I picked as my running mate, my number two,” Obasanjo said. “If I had known him as I came to know him later, I would not have picked him.” The man was Atiku Abubakar.
The confession instantly revived a rivalry that has shaped Nigerian politics for more than two decades. Obasanjo and Atiku served together from 1999 to 2007, a partnership that unravelled when Atiku opposed constitutional amendments for a third term. What began as political disagreement escalated into open legal warfare.
Before Obasanjo took the stage, Charly Boy had paused proceedings to credit business mogul Leo Stan Ekeh for urging him to channel his activism into a structured foundation focused on prostate health.
Obasanjo also explained his unlikely friendship with the eccentric entertainer. He admitted he was initially not a fan of Charly Boy’s controversial “Area Fada” persona. His perception changed after meeting Charly Boy’s father, Justice Oputa, whom he described as one of the few Nigerians he truly respected. “There I saw the attention you gave to your father, and I marvelled,” Obasanjo said.
The event drew a star-studded crowd, including Peter Obi and Chief Emeka Anyaoku. Charly Boy announced an international tour for the memoir, with Obasanjo expected to join him in London, Germany and Kenya.
The winners: Charly Boy, whose memoir gained national attention; and Obasanjo, who reclaimed the spotlight. The losers: Atiku Abubakar, whose political legacy was again scrutinised.
Bottom Line: Obasanjo admitted his biggest regret was picking Atiku. The question is whether this confession will finally close the chapter or open a new one.