Why I Didn’t Choose El-Rufai To Succeed Me In 2007 – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that he turned down a suggestion to endorse former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, as his successor in 2007, saying the latter needed more time to mature.
Speaking on Friday at the second annual symposium of the Ajibosin Platform in Abeokuta, Ogun State, themed “Importance of Leadership in Governance,” Obasanjo said the recommendation came from Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation.
El-Rufai served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and later as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under Obasanjo’s administration between 2003 and 2007.
When Obasanjo was preparing to leave office after his second term, he instead backed the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to succeed him.
During Chidoka’s keynote address at the event, he recalled how el-Rufai introduced him to Obasanjo at age 34, leading to his appointment as Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Obasanjo then interrupted to share what he described as a missing part of the story.
“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, who confirmed the statement.
“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. You remember? When I left government and, many years later, he saw the performances of el-Rufai, he came back to me and said, ‘You’re absolutely correct. El-Rufai needed to mature.’”
Obasanjo went on to praise both Chidoka and el-Rufai for their intelligence and dedication, saying their contributions were instrumental to the success of his administration.
On leadership, the former president stressed the need for character, exposure, experience, and proper training.
He lamented the lack of formal leadership grooming in politics, noting that even criminal groups have systems of mentorship.
“It’s only in politics that I found out there is no training for leadership. Even among armed robbers, I was told there is apprenticeship. But it’s only in politics that there is no training in leadership. That’s not good enough,” he said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
