Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described Nigeria as a nation in bondage under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, citing rising insecurity, economic woes, and the persistence of sectional governance.
Obasanjo, speaking at his Abeokuta residence on Friday during a courtesy visit by southern leaders of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), emphasized that the country urgently needs a truly national leader to lead it out of its current challenges.
“We are in bondage. Let us keep watching the situation, but more importantly, let us pray that God delivers us,” Obasanjo said, as quoted by The Guardian.
Distancing himself from partisan politics, the elder statesman declared: “I belong to no party. Nigeria is my political party. I only care about the country’s progress.”
He warned that unless Nigerians remain vigilant and actively engage in national affairs, the country risks continuing in the hands of leaders who lack vision and integrity.
Lamenting what he called a history of ethnic-first leadership, Obasanjo stated: “We’ve had Fulani Nigerian presidents, Hausa Nigerian presidents, Yoruba Nigerian presidents… but we’ve yet to have a true Nigerian president — one who governs for all, not just their ethnic group. Until we do, our problems will remain.”
He stressed the need to urgently address insecurity, restore economic stability, and dismantle tribal politics, noting, “Few politicians today can be called genuine nationalists. Most are only after their own interests. Nigeria has let down not just Africa, but the entire world.”
Also speaking during the visit, NNPP’s 2023 Ogun State governorship candidate, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, echoed Obasanjo’s sentiments.
“If we truly want to rebuild this country, we must put the people’s needs first,” he said. “As Nigerian youths, we are mobilizing to come out en masse in 2027 to elect true leaders.”
NNPP’s Southwest Vice Chairman, Chief Ademola Ayoade, said the party sought Obasanjo’s wisdom and blessing ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On the possibility of a political alliance with the ADC-led coalition, Ayoade responded, “Not for now. We are still consulting. No alliance has been formed.”
He also dismissed reports suggesting the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, was defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“It’s nothing but rumour. As far as we know, he’s not going anywhere,” Ayoade affirmed.
