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:
