Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerians to elect leaders who embody integrity, experience, and accountability in the 2027 general elections, warning that the nation’s future depends on the quality of leadership it chooses.
Obasanjo made the appeal in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while speaking at the Ajibosin Platform Annual Symposium themed “The Importance of Leadership in Governance.” The event brought together political leaders, scholars, and traditional rulers to discuss the crisis of leadership and governance in Nigeria.
He said: “Character, exposure, experience, and training are the essential pillars of good leadership. Yet, Nigerian politics often overlooks these virtues.
“Even among armed robbers, there is apprenticeship. But in politics, there is no training for leadership and that’s not good enough,” he added, drawing laughter from the audience.
He revealed that he once declined a proposal to make former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, his successor, insisting that El-Rufai was “not yet mature” for such a role at the time.
Obasanjo urged citizens, particularly the youth, to actively participate in shaping the 2027 elections.
“Our votes must reflect our values.
“If we want a different Nigeria, we must choose differently," he said
Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, who delivered the keynote address, said Nigeria’s governance crisis was not a failure of ideas but a failure of systems and accountability.
“Leadership finds its true measure not in charisma but in institutions that make competence predictable and corruption difficult,” Chidoka stated.
The convener of the symposium, Aare Olanrewaju Bakinson, emphasized that the lecture series was established to foster a deeper understanding of ethical leadership and responsible governance.
“Leadership is not about power; it’s about responsibility, vision, and service,” Bakinson said.
“Nigeria’s development depends on the moral compass of those entrusted with authority," the covener added.
Prominent attendees included Senator Shuaibu Salis, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, and Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun, former First Lady of Ogun State.
In a unified message, the speakers underscored the urgent need for Nigerians to redefine leadership standards and demand accountability from public officials.
