Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that he has permanently stepped away from partisan politics, insisting that his primary concern now is the welfare, progress and future of Nigeria rather than political party interests.
Obasanjo made the declaration while receiving the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, including the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, and his daughter, Iyabo Obasanjo, at his residence in Abeokuta.
The former President’s remarks come amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections and renewed efforts by political actors to seek endorsements from influential national figures.
Although he received the PDP delegation and offered advice to its leaders, Obasanjo maintained that he no longer participates in partisan political activities.
“At this stage of my life, I have set party politics aside. The goals of party politics are not always the same as the goals of promoting the welfare and well-being of the people,” he said.
“I can no longer engage in partisan politics. However, I will always remain deeply interested in the welfare, well-being and progress of our people. That commitment will never change.”
The elder statesman lamented what he described as Nigeria’s inability to effectively harness its enormous human and natural resources for national development despite its vast potential.
According to him, successive generations of leaders have not maximised the country’s abundant resources for the benefit of citizens, stressing that elders have a responsibility to provide guidance that will help secure a better future for coming generations.
“We are blessed with large African countries, rich in land and abundant natural resources. Yet, despite these blessings, we have not managed them as well as we should,” he said.
“We must focus on how best to harness what God has entrusted to us for the good of our people.”
Turning to Adebutu’s governorship ambition, Obasanjo advised the PDP chieftain to pursue leadership with humility, wisdom and a genuine commitment to service.
He cautioned against viewing political office as an end in itself, stressing that public leadership should be anchored on the desire to improve the lives of citizens.
“As for your desire and ambition, I encourage you to pursue them with wisdom and humility. Let your plans align with God’s purpose for your life, because it is ultimately God who directs our paths,” he said.
Adebutu, who addressed journalists after the meeting, described Obasanjo as a father figure, mentor and statesman whose counsel remains valuable to leaders across political divides.
He said the visit was intended to brief the former President on his political aspirations and seek his blessings ahead of the 2027 governorship contest in Ogun State.
“We came to spend quality time with our father, our mentor and indeed the father of modern Nigeria. We came to appreciate him for his invaluable contributions and to inform him of our resolve to pursue a path towards better governance for our state,” Adebutu said.
“There is no one more deserving to be informed about the future of the state than someone who played a pivotal role in its development. We have received his blessings and wise counsel, and with that encouragement, we are determined to move forward in the interest of our people.”
While insisting that he has retired from partisan politics, Obasanjo’s continued engagement with political leaders underscores his enduring influence in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly as consultations and alignments ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.