By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that he declined a proposal to support former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as his successor in 2007, saying the latter was not mature enough at the time.
Speaking at the Ajibosin Platform Annual Symposium in Abeokuta, Obasanjo said the idea was suggested by former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, who had recommended El-Rufai during succession talks.
Interrupting Chidoka’s keynote address, Obasanjo recalled: “He didn’t mention that he was pushing that his friend, El-Rufai, should succeed me.
“I didn’t yield to the pressure.” He added that Chidoka later admitted that El-Rufai “needed to mature.”
Obasanjo described both men as talented and commended their contributions to his administration.
He stressed that leadership requires training and character, lamenting that politics often lacks proper preparation for those who aspire to lead.
Chidoka, in his presentation, argued that Nigeria’s problem lies not in ideas but in weak systems, urging stronger accountability and institutional reforms to ensure effective governance.
