Obasanjo’s Son Explains Why He Joined APC

Days after his father publicly declared his support for PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Olujonwo, the son of ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo officially joined the President Buhari campaign organization,

In a recent Interview with Punch, Olajuwon said, ‘I joined the APC long before the PDP was reconstituted and before Alhaji Atiku emerged as its standard bearer. So, there is no relationship between my APC membership and my father’s forgiveness of his former vice president’.

I am a proud member of the APC because I am progressive by instinct and ideology and because I believe in the progressive instincts of those who lead our party.

I believe that our nation is better served by a politics that is progressive, that is one that works for the progress of all citizens and not merely for the interests of a few in power.  President Buhari, like my father, is a man of great conviction.  He loves his country and he is committed to reshaping it for the future.

He is a man of great humour too, by the way. He is a man l truly value and l have highest regard for him because he is a strong man of high and uncommon integrity, doesn’t betray and very reliable. He is very passionate and sincere about providing for the general good of all for long term benefits.

I just happen to believe in the capacity and will of President Buhari, Vice President (Yemi) Osinbajo and the leaders of our party to reposition and transform our country for concrete greatness which will lead to enduring and lasting legacy of a great and better life for everyone in the future.  It is no more than that.

See more more excerpts from the interview below…

Does being the child of ex-President Obasanjo put any burden on you in terms of societal expectations?

None! I don’t indulge in societal expectations. I prefer to spend my time building a life and a career brick by brick, like every other Nigerian.

Would you have wished your father is anything else but a soldier?

Absolutely not!  I am very proud of my father’s walks.  I love the Army. It is the one constant source of pride to our nation. It has been our one constant bulwark against great insecurity and disintegration. It is the Army that continues to bear the brunt of the war against terror and militancy.  When you and I are lying asleep at night or going about our business in the daytime, it is our Army that keeps Boko Haram and other forces of disintegration from disturbing our peace and security.  I have the highest regard for our forces both the military and the Police Force and their incredible accomplishments with limited resources.  I am grateful that my father got the chance to serve that great institution to the highest level.

What do you think he wants to be remembered for?

My father does not indulge in such things. He is too busy getting the day’s job done to worry about how he will be remembered. History will do its own bidding.

What values did you learn from him?

Conviction above popularity; hard work above showmanship; people above self; nation above everything else.

How does his name open doors for you when people know you are his child?

My father taught us to feather our own wings and not to ride on his coat tails. It is the way we all are today. We each work very hard in our respective fields.  We do not live on his undeniable big name.

Still, I consider it a great honour to have been sired by one of Africa’s most convicted, most committed, most earnest advocates. So, yes, I am mightily proud of my dad.

Does he have preference for any type of music?

My father is a dyed-in-the-wool Egba man. Put any Egba tune on and he gets footloose. But don’t be fooled, he is the most savvy music mind. From jazz to funk, highlife to juju, my father will floor you chord by chord. He is a greater lover of Ebenezer Obey, but his music ears are never far from the likes of James Brown. My dad is black and proud – and he will turn up any day to claim that truth.

Your father undoubtedly has a good sense of humour. Does he share jokes with you?

My father is the most humorous man you have ever met. He is self-deprecating, quickwitted and genuinely funny. Because he has no hang ups, no vanity, he easily laughs at himself. It makes him great fun to be around.

How close are you to your father?

He is my best friend; my truest confidant.  I am his private handbag and I love and respect him very much.

Source: Punch/ LIB