Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently shared that he turned down a suggestion to name former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as his successor when he left office in 2007. During his presidency, El-Rufai held key roles, first as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and later as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007. Instead of El-Rufai, Obasanjo supported the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to take over.
Speaking at the second annual Ajibosin Platform symposium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, themed “Importance of Leadership in Governance,” Obasanjo disclosed that former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka had proposed El-Rufai for the role. However, Obasanjo declined the idea, believing El-Rufai needed more time to grow as a leader.
Chidoka, the keynote speaker at the event, shared how El-Rufai had recommended him to Obasanjo when he was 34, leading to his appointment as Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps. Obasanjo, addressing Chidoka directly, said, “You didn’t mention you pushed for El-Rufai to be my successor.” Chidoka nodded in agreement.
Obasanjo recalled a later conversation with Chidoka, who admitted that the former president was right about El-Rufai needing more maturity. Despite this, Obasanjo praised Chidoka, El-Rufai, and others for their unique qualities that strengthened his administration.
On leadership, Obasanjo stressed the importance of character, experience, and training, noting that politics often lacks proper leadership preparation compared to other fields.
Chidoka, in his keynote speech, pointed out that Nigeria’s challenges stem from a lack of strong systems, not ideas. He urged leaders to focus on building reliable institutions and accountability measures to ensure good governance and reduce corruption. “Leadership is about results, not just words,” he said.
The symposium’s organizer, Aare Olanrewaju Bakinson, emphasized that the event was meant to highlight the role of effective leadership in shaping nations. Notable attendees included Senator Shuaibu Salis, Oba Saka Matemilola, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, and former Ogun First Lady, Olufunsho Amosun.