Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that Nigeria is currently in bondage, weighed down by insecurity, economic hardship, and sectional leadership and in urgent need of a truly national leader to chart a new path.
Speaking at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday, during a courtesy visit by the Southern leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Obasanjo emphasised that only a leader who transcends ethnic and sectional interests can rescue the country.
“We are in bondage. Let us keep watching the situation, but more importantly, let us pray that God delivers us,” Obasanjo stated.
Reaffirming his apolitical affiliations, Obasanjo declared, “I belong to no party. Nigeria is my political party. I only care about the country’s progress.”
He emphasised the need for citizens to remain alert and engaged, warning that apathy could leave the nation in the hands of unworthy leaders.
Obasanjo decried the persistent trend of ethnicised leadership.
“We’ve had Fulani Nigerian presidents, Hausa Nigerian presidents, Yoruba Nigerian presidents… but we’ve yet to have a true Nigerian president, one for all, not just their tribe. Until we do, our problems will remain,” the former president stated.
He called for renewed focus on solving insecurity, revamping the economy, and eradicating tribalism.
“We have few genuine nationalists among politicians today. Most are in it for themselves. Nigeria has disappointed not only Africa but the entire world,” he said.
In his remarks, the NNPP’s Ogun State governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Amb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, said the country’s current political atmosphere is disheartening.
“If we truly want to build this country, we must start by putting the people’s needs first. As Nigerian youths, we are preparing to come out en masse in 2027 to elect true leaders,” he said.
Also speaking, the NNPP Southwest Vice-Chairman, Chief Ademola Ayoade, said the party visited Obasanjo for prayers and guidance as it begins consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We came to greet Baba, our father, who wants peace and progress for Nigeria. He has given us his prayers and support,” Ayoade said.
Asked whether the NNPP would join the ADC-led coalition, Ayoade replied, “Not for now. We’re focused on our consultations. No alliance yet.”
On rumours of NNPP’s national leader, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, defecting to the APC, Ayoade dismissed the speculation, saying, “it’s mere rumour. As far as we know, he’s not moving anywhere.”
The party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Prince Nweze Onu, stated that Obasanjo’s counsel arrived at a crucial time.
“He has given us fatherly advice, and we will abide by it. He won’t lead us astray,” he said.
On the wave of defections by incumbent governors to the APC, Onu said, “as the octogenarian rightly said, politicians must act with character and integrity. If you’re doing well, you won’t need to jump from party to party.”
The NNPP team on the visit included: Ronnie Dikko-Killa, Lagos State chairperson; Lady Chinyere Ofokansi, South-East Women Leader; Alhaja Shakirat Arowolo, Ogun State Secretary; Mrs Erelu Tosin, South-West Women Leader; Comrade Malik Sannie, South-West Youth Leader; Teluwo Kehinde, Ogun-Central Senatorial Candidate; Kilamuwaye Badmus, South-West PRO; Olagbenro Bababowale, Ibrahim Shuaib, and Ladipo Johnson, National Publicity Secretary.
