Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerian politicians to pursue their political ambitions with humility and ensure their leadership goals are aligned with what he termed God’s purpose. The advice was delivered on Monday while receiving the 2027 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, and other party leaders at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
Obasanjo Distances Himself From Partisan Politics
Obasanjo, who led Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, stated that he has stepped away from partisan politics but remains deeply committed to national development and the welfare of citizens. “At this stage of my life, I have set party politics aside. The goals of party politics are not always the same as the goals of promoting the welfare and well-being of the people,” he said. He urged political leaders to focus on serving the public rather than advancing personal interests, stressing that ambition must be guided by wisdom and humility.
Leadership Must Align With Divine Purpose
The former president directly addressed Adebutu and other politicians present: “As for your desire and ambition, I encourage you to pursue them with wisdom and humility. Let your plans align with God’s purpose for your life, because it is ultimately God who directs our paths.” Obasanjo also expressed concern over Nigeria’s failure to fully exploit its abundant natural resources, urging leaders to develop better strategies for utilizing the country’s wealth for the common good. “We are blessed with large African countries, rich in land and abundant natural resources. Yet, despite these blessings, we have not managed them as well as we should,” he added.
Adebutu Seeks Guidance From Obasanjo
Adebutu described Obasanjo as a mentor and father figure, noting that the visit was aimed at seeking his advice and support ahead of the 2027 elections. “We have come to spend quality time with our father, our mentor, and indeed, the father of modern Nigeria,” Adebutu said. The meeting underscores Obasanjo’s continued influence in Nigerian politics despite his formal withdrawal from partisan activities.
Obasanjo’s Legacy and Recent Revelations
In related developments, Legit.ng reported that former Head of State Yakubu Gowon revealed in his autobiography how Obasanjo initially refused to serve under Murtala Muhammed during the civil war. Gowon also claimed that Ojukwu pawned Biafra’s mineral wealth to the Rothschild banking family in exchange for foreign support during the conflict. These historical accounts add depth to Obasanjo’s long and complex political journey.
