Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has shed light on a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political history — his decision to turn down a proposal to endorse former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, as his successor in 2007.
Speaking at the second annual symposium of the Ajibosin Platform held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo disclosed that he was urged to consider el-Rufai for the presidency by former aviation minister, Osita Chidoka. The event, themed “Importance of Leadership in Governance,” brought together political figures and stakeholders to reflect on the qualities of effective leadership in Nigeria.
Obasanjo, who had appointed el-Rufai as the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and later as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during his administration between 2003 and 2007, explained that although el-Rufai was intelligent and energetic, he felt the former minister was not yet ready for the country’s top job.
According to the former president, leadership requires not only competence and intellect but also emotional balance and experience — qualities he believed el-Rufai needed more time to develop. Obasanjo eventually threw his support behind the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who went on to become Nigeria’s president after the 2007 general elections.
The former president’s revelation adds a new layer to the historical narrative of Nigeria’s political transitions and highlights his continued emphasis on maturity and character as essential components of leadership.
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