Former Nigerian Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo has urged politicians to invest in proper leadership development, warning that wielding power without adequate preparation is a recipe for failure.
Speaking at the Ajibosin Platform Symposium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo addressed the theme “The Importance of Leadership in Governance” and didn’t hold back on his views about Nigeria’s political class.
According to report, he criticized the absence of structured mentorship in Nigerian politics, noting that even criminals take apprenticeship seriously.
“Even armed robbers have apprentices,” he joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Obasanjo stressed that effective governance requires experience, moral integrity, and proper exposure, not just political ambition.
“Leadership should never be a crash course learnt on the job. It must be built through consistent character and experience,” he said.
Former Minister Osita Chidoka, who delivered the keynote address, reinforced Obasanjo’s message.
He argued that Nigeria’s challenge isn’t a shortage of ideas but rather the failure to build institutions around strong leadership principles.
Chidoka emphasized that leadership should be judged by results, not charisma, with systems ensuring transparency and accountability.
“Moral conviction must become visible in how institutions function, not in how eloquently we speak,” he said. “Accountability is the true test of leadership.”
In a lighter moment, Obasanjo recalled rejecting suggestions to make Nasir El-Rufai his successor years ago, despite Chidoka’s strong endorsement.
While acknowledging El-Rufai’s intelligence and drive, Obasanjo felt he needed more time to grow into national leadership.
“When I said he needed to mature, people disagreed,” Obasanjo remembered. “But years later, even Chidoka came back and admitted I was right.”
The comment drew laughter and applause from attendees, including Senator Shuaibu Salis, Oba Saka Matemilola, and Mrs Olufunsho Amosun.
