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Why I Rejected El-Rufai as My Successor — Obasanjo

Phinadon Mag

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says he rejected a proposal to endorse Nasir El-Rufai as his successor, citing the need for political maturity.

ObasanjoReveals has sparked renewed political discussion as former President Olusegun Obasanjo disclosed that he rejected a suggestion to endorse former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, as his successor when leaving office in 2007.

Speaking on Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the second edition of the Ajibosin Platform symposium themed “Importance of Leadership in Governance,” Obasanjo revealed that former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, had recommended El-Rufai for the presidency — a proposal he turned down.

The El-Rufai Recommendation

Chidoka, who delivered the keynote address at the event, had earlier recounted how El-Rufai introduced him to Obasanjo at the age of 34 — an encounter that led to his appointment as Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Obasanjo, in a lighthearted exchange, teased Chidoka for omitting the story of his push for El-Rufai’s endorsement.

Turning to Chidoka, who was seated among the panelists, Obasanjo asked, “No be so (Is that not true)?” to which the former minister nodded in agreement.

Why Obasanjo Rejected the Idea

Obasanjo explained that he declined the suggestion because he believed El-Rufai needed more time to mature politically.

Despite rejecting the idea, Obasanjo commended Chidoka, El-Rufai, and other former aides for their “special attributes,” which he said contributed to the success of his administration.

On Leadership and Governance

Speaking further, Obasanjo emphasized that character, exposure, experience, and training are essential qualities of effective leadership.

El-Rufai served under Obasanjo’s administration as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) before becoming Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2003 and 2007. When Obasanjo left office, he instead backed the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as his preferred successor.

Chidoka on Nigeria’s Leadership Challenges

In his address, Osita Chidoka attributed Nigeria’s development setbacks to excuses and the politics of alibi, stressing that leadership should be measured by systems and results, not rhetoric.

Chidoka added that Nigeria’s problem has never been a shortage of ideas, but rather the absence of systems strong enough to outlive their authors.

He urged leaders to prioritize accountability and measurable outcomes, saying:

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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