…Says Former Minister Needed to Mature Before Leading Nigeria
Obasanjo made the revelation on Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the second edition of the annual symposium of the Ajibosin Platform, themed “Importance of Leadership in Governance.”
The former president explained that although El-Rufai, who served under his administration as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and later as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was highly regarded for his competence, he was not ready at the time to lead the country.
According to Obasanjo, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, had recommended El-Rufai to succeed him, a suggestion he rejected after careful consideration.
“Let him tell you. He didn’t mention that. He was pushing when I was leaving government that his friend, El-Rufai, should be brought in as my successor,” Obasanjo said, turning to Chidoka during the interactive session.
Chidoka, who was seated among the panelists, acknowledged the remark with a nod of agreement.
Obasanjo added that he brushed aside the recommendation because he believed El-Rufai still needed time to grow politically and personally before taking on the nation’s highest office.
“I did not yield to the pressure. Later, he said, ‘I suggested this person, why didn’t you agree?’ I said El-Rufai needs to mature. Many years later, when he saw El-Rufai’s performances, he came back to me and said, ‘You were absolutely correct—El-Rufai needed to mature,’” Obasanjo recounted.
While reflecting on his administration, the former president praised El-Rufai, Chidoka, and others who served under him, describing them as individuals with “special attributes” that contributed to the success of his government.
Speaking on leadership, Obasanjo emphasized that character, exposure, experience, and training are essential qualities that define good governance. He lamented the absence of structured training for political leadership in Nigeria.
“It’s only in politics that there is no training for leadership. Even among armed robbers, I was told there is apprenticeship. But in politics, there’s none—and that’s not good enough,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Osita Chidoka highlighted Nigeria’s persistent leadership challenges, blaming them on excuses and a lack of accountability.
“Leadership finds its true measure not in speeches or charisma but in the systems it leaves behind. Nigeria’s problem has never been a shortage of ideas but the absence of systems strong enough to outlive their authors,” he said.
Chidoka called for a new culture of accountability and performance tracking, urging the country to move from rhetoric to measurable results.
“We must make leadership accountable not to rhetoric but to results—tracking every promise, every budget, and every outcome. Our institutions must monitor and evaluate government performance effectively,” he stated.
The convener of the symposium, Aare Olanrewaju Bakinson, said the annual lecture series was designed to promote conversations around ethical and responsible leadership.
“Leadership is not just about power; it’s about responsibility, vision, and service. As we explore this theme, we examine the qualities of good governance and how leadership impacts national development,” he explained.
Dignitaries at the event included the Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaibu Salis; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola; the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege; and former Ogun First Lady, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun.
The symposium, held in Abeokuta, brought together scholars, traditional rulers, policymakers, and youth leaders to discuss how visionary leadership can shape the future of governance in Nigeria.
