Abeokuta, Ogun State – October 25, 2025: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo disclosed on Friday that he turned down a 2007 proposal to position Nasir El-Rufai, then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Kaduna State governor, as his successor, stating that El-Rufai required further maturity to assume the presidency. The revelation came during the second edition of the Ajibosin Platform annual symposium held in Abeokuta, themed “Importance of Leadership in Governance.”
The event, organized to foster discussions on ethical governance and effective leadership, drew prominent political figures, traditional rulers, and policy experts. Obasanjo’s remarks, delivered in a blend of candor and humor, highlighted the critical role of readiness in leadership transitions while reflecting on decisions made during his administration from 1999 to 2007.
Obasanjo recounted that the succession proposal originated from Osita Chidoka, who served as Minister of Aviation in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and had previously worked closely with El-Rufai. During Obasanjo’s second term, El-Rufai held key roles, first as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), where he spearheaded privatization initiatives, and later as FCT Minister, overseeing significant urban development in Abuja from 2003 to 2007.
In a direct exchange with Chidoka, who was among the panelists, Obasanjo said, “He was pushing when I was leaving government that his friend, El-Rufai, should be brought in as my successor.” Addressing Chidoka seated nearby, he added, “No be so?” prompting an affirmative nod from the former minister. Obasanjo explained his refusal, stating that El-Rufai, despite his competence, lacked the necessary maturity at the time.
He further narrated a follow-up conversation years later, after El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023. “Later, he said, ‘I suggested this person, why didn’t you agree?’ I said El-Rufai needed to mature. 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,’” Obasanjo recalled, eliciting laughter from the audience.
Despite the rejection, Obasanjo expressed admiration for both individuals. He described El-Rufai and Chidoka as possessing “special attributes” that contributed to the successes of his administration, particularly in economic reforms and infrastructure development. El-Rufai’s privatization efforts at the BPE facilitated the sale of public enterprises, while his FCT tenure transformed Abuja’s landscape through demolition of illegal structures and enforcement of master plan regulations.
The symposium provided a broader platform to examine leadership qualities. Obasanjo emphasized that effective leadership demands character, exposure, experience, and training. He criticized the absence of formal preparation in politics, contrasting it with other fields. “It’s only in politics that I found out there is no training for leadership,” he stated. “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.”
This observation underscored the need for structured mentorship and institutional frameworks to groom future leaders, a recurring theme at the event.
Delivering the keynote address, Osita Chidoka focused on systemic failures in Nigerian governance. He identified “the politics of alibi” as a major impediment, where leaders prioritize excuses over accountability. “Leadership finds its true measure not in charisma but in the systems it leaves behind,” Chidoka asserted. “Nigeria’s problem has never been a shortage of ideas; it is the absence of systems strong enough to outlive their authors.”
Chidoka advocated for measurable outcomes, urging the establishment of robust accountability mechanisms, transparent institutional monitoring, and policies ensuring continuity beyond individual tenures. He argued that speeches and promises must translate into tangible results, with efficiency and inclusivity as benchmarks.
The convener of the Ajibosin Platform, Aare Olanrewaju Bakinson, outlined the symposium’s objectives in his opening remarks. “Leadership is not just about power; it’s about responsibility, vision, and service,” Bakinson said. He noted that the annual event seeks to deepen national discourse on ethical leadership, encouraging participants to propose actionable solutions to governance challenges.
The gathering attracted a diverse audience, including Senator Shuaibu Salis representing Ogun Central, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, and former Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun. Their presence highlighted the intersection of traditional institutions and modern politics in shaping leadership narratives.
Obasanjo’s disclosure has reignited discussions on presidential succession in Nigeria, particularly the criteria for selecting national leaders. His decision in 2007 ultimately led to the emergence of Umaru Yar’Adua as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and president, following a controversial selection process. El-Rufai, meanwhile, transitioned to state governance in Kaduna, implementing reforms in education, urban planning, and security, though his administration faced criticism over demolition exercises and policy execution.
The symposium concluded with panel discussions on institutional reforms, youth involvement in politics, and the role of technology in enhancing transparency. Participants called for mandatory leadership training programs for political aspirants and the strengthening of anti-corruption agencies to sustain governance gains.
As Nigeria approaches future electoral cycles, Obasanjo’s insights serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between potential and preparedness in leadership selection. The event reinforced the Ajibosin Platform’s commitment to fostering informed dialogue on governance, with plans announced for the third edition to focus on economic leadership and sustainable development.
In a nation grappling with persistent challenges in infrastructure, security, and economic stability, the conversations in Abeokuta underscored a collective aspiration for leaders who prioritize systems over slogans, maturity over ambition, and service over self-interest.
