Obasanjo says he rejected a push for Nasir El-Rufai to succeed him because he was not ready then.
He explained leaders must grow through maturity experience and proper preparation before big roles.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said he dismissed a proposal that would have positioned Nasir El-Rufai as his successor at the end of his administration in 2007, saying the former Kaduna State governor was not ready for the job at the time.
Obasanjo made the comment on Friday, October 24, while speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the second edition of the Ajibosin Platform annual symposium with the theme, “Importance of Leadership in Governance.”
He recalled that the idea was originated by Osita Chidoka, who served in his government and had strongly encouraged him to consider El-Rufai for the presidency. El-Rufai was Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises before becoming Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in 2003.
Sharing the story while engaging Chidoka in a friendly exchange, Obasanjo noted that Chidoka was eager for him to hand over to El-Rufai. Pointing to the former minister, he teased him for his insistence back then.
According to Obasanjo, he told those advocating for El-Rufai that the former FCT minister needed further maturity and experience before taking on such a national role. He added that, years later, Chidoka acknowledged that his judgment at the time was right after observing El-Rufai’s later performance in office.
Obasanjo said he still holds respect for both men, describing them as notable figures who played meaningful roles in his government.
Speaking more broadly about leadership, the former president stressed that genuine leadership must be built on character, exposure, and structured preparation. He criticized the political system for failing to properly train future leaders, noting that even illegal groups emphasize learning before leadership roles, while politics does not enforce the same discipline.
Delivering his keynote at the event, Chidoka said Nigeria’s biggest governance issues emerge when leaders resort to excuses instead of accountability. He emphasized that impactful leadership is defined by efficient and sustainable systems rather than rhetoric or personality.
He argued that Nigeria has never lacked ideas but struggles because institutions often fail to survive beyond the individuals who initiate them. He urged public office holders to shift from lofty promises to measurable actions supported by strong oversight and continuity.
Aare Olanrewaju Bakinson, the convener of the symposium, said the gathering was designed to promote conversations that shape integrity-driven leadership. He noted that leadership must be rooted in service and the ability to build lasting structures.
Dignitaries at the program included Senator Shuaibu Salis of Ogun Central, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, and former Ogun State First Lady, Olufunsho Amosun.
