Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how he turned down a proposal to endorse former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as his preferred successor before leaving office in 2007, Akahi News reports.

“El-Rufai Needed to Mature” — Obasanjo

Speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the second edition of the Ajibosin Platform Annual Symposium themed “Importance of Leadership in Governance”, Obasanjo said he rejected the suggestion made by former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, who at the time was one of his close aides.

“Let him tell you. He didn’t mention that. He was pushing when I was leaving government that his friend, El-Rufai, should be brought in as my successor,” Obasanjo remarked, drawing laughter from the audience.

Facing Chidoka, who was seated among the panelists, the former President asked rhetorically, “No be so?” to which Chidoka nodded in agreement.

Obasanjo explained that he refused to yield to pressure, believing El-Rufai needed more time and maturity before being considered for the top job. “I did not yield to the pressure. Later, he said, ‘I suggested this person, why didn’t you agree?’ I said El-Rufai needs to mature,” Obasanjo stated.

He further revealed that Chidoka later admitted that his assessment was right. “When I left government and, many years later, he saw the performances of El-Rufai, he came back to me and said, ‘You’re absolutely correct. El-Rufai needed to mature,’” the former President added.

Obasanjo Reflects on Leadership and Training in Politics

Reflecting on leadership, Obasanjo emphasised that good governance requires character, exposure, experience, and training. He lamented that, unlike other professions, politics in Nigeria lacks structured training for leadership.

“It’s only in politics that I found out there is no training for leadership. Even among armed robbers, I was told there is apprenticeship. But it’s only in politics that there is no training in leadership. That’s not good enough,” he said.

He, however, commended El-Rufai, Chidoka, and other former aides for their contributions and special attributes, which he credited as driving forces behind his administration’s success.

Chidoka: “Nigeria’s Problem Is the Absence of Strong Systems”

Delivering the keynote address, Osita Chidoka attributed Nigeria’s persistent challenges to a culture of excuses and weak governance systems. He argued that leadership must be judged by results, not rhetoric.

“Leadership finds its true measure not in speeches or charisma but in the systems it leaves behind. Nigeria’s problem has never been a shortage of ideas; it is the absence of systems strong enough to outlive their authors,” Chidoka said.

He called for stronger accountability frameworks, national dashboards, and monitoring systems that would ensure government performance is measurable and transparent. “We must make leadership accountable not to rhetoric but to results,” he added.

Symposium Highlights and Dignitaries in Attendance

The symposium convener, Aare Olanrewaju Bakinson, said the event was designed to examine the role of leadership in national development. “Leadership is not just about power; it’s about responsibility, vision, and service,” he said.

Among the dignitaries present were Senator Shuaibu Salis (Ogun Central), the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola; the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege; and Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun, former First Lady of Ogun State.

Akahi News gathered that the event’s discussions centred on redefining leadership in Nigeria’s governance space and building institutions capable of delivering sustainable development.

Thanks. By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
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