Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday said he turned down the move to install former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as his successor in 2027 because of his lack of maturity.

Obasanjo disclosed this in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the second edition of the annual symposium of the Ajibosin Platform themed “Importance of Leadership in Governance.”

He revealed that former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, had recommended El-Rufai to be his successor, but he refused.

Under the Obasanjo’s administration, El-Rufai served first as the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and later as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007.

While exiting power in 2007, Obasanjo backed the late President Umar Yar’Adua as his successor.

Chidoka, who was the keynote speaker at the event, recalled how El-Rufai recommended him to Obasanjo at the age of 34, a move that brought him closer to the presidency and eventually led to his appointment as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Addressing the gathering, Obasanjo playfully taunted Chidoka for omitting the El-Rufai story.

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“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.

Facing Chidoka, who sat among the panelists, Obasanjo asked, “No be so? Meaning is that not true?”

The former minister nodded his head in agreement.

Obasanjo went on to explain that he brushed aside the recommendation of El-Rufai as his successor because he felt his former minister needed to mature.

The former president added, “I did not yield to the pressure. Later, he said, ‘I suggested this person, why didn’t you agree?’ I said El-Rufai needed to mature. You remember? When I left the 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, however, applauded Chidoka, El-Rufai, and others for their “special attributes,” which he said were the driving forces of his administration.

Speaking further on the theme of leadership, the former president emphasized the importance of character, exposure, experience, and training as the hallmarks of good leadership.

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He said, “It’s only in politics that I found out there is no training for leadership. Even among armed robbers, I was told there is an apprenticeship. But it’s only in politics that there is no training in leadership. That’s not good enough.”

Earlier, while delivering the keynote address, Chidoka blamed Nigeria’s challenges on what he described as excuses and the “politics of alibi.”

“Leadership finds its true measure not in speeches or charisma but in the systems it leaves behind. Moral conviction must translate into the everyday machinery of governance rules, routines, and institutions that make competence predictable and corruption difficult.

“Nigeria’s problem has never been a shortage of ideas; it is the absence of systems strong enough to outlive their authors,” he said.

He called for a shift from excuses to action and accountability.

Chidoka added, “We must therefore make leadership accountable not to rhetoric but to results: measure by building national dashboards and accountability systems that track every promise, every budget, every outcome. Monitor by strengthening the institutions that evaluate government performance and expose complacency.”

The convener of the symposium, Aare Olanrewaju Bakinson, said the lecture aimed to discuss the critical role effective leadership plays in shaping societies and nations.

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“Leadership is not just about power; it’s about responsibility, vision, and service. As we explore this theme, we’ll examine the qualities of good governance, the impact of leadership on development, and strategies for fostering ethical leadership,” he stated.

Prominent personalities at the event were Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaibu Salis; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola; the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege; and former Ogun First Lady, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun among others.

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The National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dan Iwuanyanwu, has accused some influential politicians and businessmen from the South-East of secretly working against the release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

According to Iwuanyanwu, these individuals fear that Kanu’s freedom could threaten their political ambitions and influence in the region. He said this while speaking on Channels Television on Monday.

“There are some top businessmen who are involved in businesses in Abuja, oil and all that,” Iwuanyanwu said during the programme.

“There are some top politicians who are of the view – and which is correct – that if Nnamdi Kanu comes today, there are people whose political career will come to an end permanently without him saying a word. Nnamdi Kanu has been loved by the people,” he added.

The ZLP chairman stated that Kanu’s popularity remains strong and “organic,” adding that his continued detention is not just a matter of national security but also the result of deep political fears within the South-East elite.

Iwuanyanwu’s comments come amid growing calls for the Federal Government to comply with court orders and release Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021.

Also on Monday, human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, joined protesters in Abuja demanding Kanu’s immediate release.

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He warned that continued detention could “further intensify public agitation” across the country.

“Today will be different and nobody can stop this spirit and this is to ensure that we bring our brother home,” Sowore said while addressing the crowd.

He revealed that police and security operatives had used teargas to disperse protesters at several locations, including Utako and Apo, but the demonstrators regrouped and continued their march.

“They teargassed us, we relocated to Utako, they teargassed us, we relocated to Apo, Apo has the biggest so far and that is to show to you that very soon, this will get out of hand if they don’t do something about releasing Nnamdi Kanu,” Sowore stated.

He maintained that the protests were peaceful and aimed at demanding fairness, not violence. “We are not threatening violence, we are just saying that in this country we all deserve a right to be citizens,” he said.

Meanwhile, the demonstrations in Abuja have intensified this week, with several groups insisting that justice must be served.

It could be recalled that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was first arrested in 2015 and later re-arrested in 2021 after jumping bail.

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However, despite several court rulings ordering his release, the DSS has continued to hold him in detention, a situation that has continued to spark both national and international criticism.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended its National Vice Chairman (South-South) and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Usani Uguru Usani, over alleged anti-party activities and conduct deemed injurious to the party’s unity and progress, as reported by Naija News.

The decision followed a meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the ADC in Cross River State held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

In a statement released in Abuja on Monday, October 20, and signed by James Otudor, one of the party’s state publicity secretaries, the ADC said Usani’s recent behaviour was “inconsistent with the provisions of the ADC Constitution.”

“In accordance with the party’s constitution and disciplinary procedures, Dr Usani’s suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of a formal investigation by the relevant party organs,” the statement read.

According to the SWC, several petitions accused Usani of anti-party activities, insubordination to constituted authority, and acts capable of undermining the image and cohesion of the ADC ahead of future elections.

Naija News understands that the decision to suspend him was reached after “extensive deliberations” and consultation with zonal and national leaders.

The Cross River ADC also expressed displeasure over the appointment of Ms Jackie Wayas as Deputy National Publicity Secretary, claiming the state leadership was not consulted before her selection.

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The statement noted that Wayas “has not engaged with the state leadership since assuming office” and that her “current disposition and loyalty appear skewed against the unity and growth of the ADC in the state.”

“Consequently, the SWC urged the National Leadership to review her appointment and replace her with a competent, credible, and media-savvy individual from Cross River State with a verifiable record of commitment to the ideals of the ADC,” it said.

Warning to Coalition Members, Defectors
The SWC also raised concerns about individuals from the Coalition Movement who had publicly declared their intention to join the ADC but had yet to formalise their membership.

While acknowledging that registration is a continuous process, the party warned that dual membership or multiple partisan interests would not be tolerated.

“Some coalition members who participated in ADC strategy meetings have since accepted caretaker or leadership positions in their former political parties,” the statement added.

The committee directed all coalition leaders and intending members to complete their registration at ward level within seven days, ending Saturday, October 25, 2025, or risk exclusion from leadership and decision-making processes.

The ADC urged all members to remain calm and allow its internal disciplinary mechanisms to take their course.

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“We urge all members to remain calm, law-abiding, and steadfast as the party’s internal mechanisms for discipline, justice, and accountability take their full course,” the statement concluded.

Despite several appeals across Nigeria persuading President Bola Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), without conditions, new challenges have emerged regarding the planned protests aimed at showing solidarity for the Southeast indigene.

Kanu has been in detention since 2015, and as the calls for his release grow louder, the organization and execution of demonstrations in his support have encountered significant obstacles. Click link to continue reading.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has distanced itself, alongside South-East governors and Igbo Ministers, from the nationwide protest scheduled for October 20, 2025, demanding the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Ohanaeze, in collaboration with the region’s governors and ministers, said it holds “a grave sense of responsibility and a profound commitment to the well-being of the zone and the stability of the country.”

The group specifically condemned the planned protests, describing them as orchestrated by political actors including Sowore and Atiku, and said such demonstrations were not in the interest of the South-East or the nation.

The statement was issued on Thursday by the factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Chief Chinyereze Thompson Ohia, the organization’s National Spokesperson, and was made available to journalists.

Ohanaeze said, ”We view this purported demonstration with extreme suspicion and firmly believe it to be a thinly veiled attempt at fomenting unrest, destabilizing the government of President Bola Tinubu, and exploiting the legitimate concerns of Ndigbo for nefarious political ends.

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”Our considered assessment, informed by credible intelligence and meticulous analysis, reveals that this proposed action is nothing more than a cynical ploy designed to instigate a repeat of the EndSARS riots, ultimately aimed at undermining the current administration.”

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It noted that this scheme, allegedly funded by elements associated with Atiku Abubakar and his cohorts, seeks to exploit the genuine desire for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release and draw unsuspecting Igbo citizens into a dangerous and destructive venture.

“In light of these grave concerns, we unequivocally reject the deception and Advocacy for Peaceful Resolution: The pursuit of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release through political solutions and the established judicial processes is paramount. We vehemently denounce any attempt by politicians, particularly those with a demonstrable history of acting against Igbo interests, to utilize the situation for their political gain.

“The sudden and unsolicited display of “uneasy affection for Igbo caused by individuals previously indifferent or even hostile to our community raises significant red flags. We, the Igbo people, are too astute and discerning to be ensnared by the Atiku-Sowore booby trap.

“We call to denounce and avoid planned unrest. We implore all Nigerians, particularly those who cherish truth, justice, and democracy, to distance themselves from the planned protests, riots, and acts of civil disobedience scheduled for 20th October 2025.

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“Ndigbo must not be used as pawns in any political game orchestrated by Atiku Abubakar and his allies, the ultimate aim being to destabilize the Tinubu administration. We emphatically state that this planned disruption does not serve the interests of Ndigbo, nor does it contribute to the cause of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“The Atiku-Sowore scheme will undoubtedly undermine the ongoing judicial proceedings and the ongoing political discussions and negotiations, which Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has wisely entrusted to a team led by Hon. Obi Aguocha.

“Concerns Regarding Public Safety and Security: We are deeply concerned that the planned protests and riots will endanger the lives and property of Nigerians, a tragic scenario we witnessed during the EndSARS riots. The potential for widespread violence, looting, and the destruction of critical infrastructure is a grave concern that cannot be ignored.”

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As the 2027 elections approach, the battle lines between former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola and President Bola Tinubu are becoming thicker politically, with fresh predictions on the presidential election showing there are more battles to settle between the two politicians.

Recently, Aregbesola’s public confrontations have reignited tensions, indicating that the underlying issues remain unresolved. Click the link to continue reading.

The former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will lose power in 2027.

According to him as reported by Politics Nigeria, the ADC, “by the grace of God,” will take over leadership at both the national and state levels. Aregbesola made the remark on Saturday in Ilorin while speaking with journalists shortly after inaugurating the Kwara State secretariat of the ADC along Basin Road.

He said the ruling APC has lost touch with the people and is now resorting to intimidation of opposition parties nationwide. “If APC is confident of its strength, it won’t be so hyped and charged as to be hounding and hunting opposition all over the place.”

The former Osun State governor accused the APC of harassing ADC members across the country, citing Lagos, Kebbi, and Kaduna as examples. He said such actions show that the ruling party is insecure about its popularity.

“They themselves know that they are not popular and the party that will harvest their unpopularity is ADC,” he added.

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Aregbesola insisted that the ADC would emerge victorious in the next general elections.

“Regardless of the grandstanding, by the grace of God, ADC will take over the mantle of leadership in Nigeria and in most of the state,” he declared. Speaking on politicians defecting to the APC, Aregbesola dismissed them as “enemies of the people,” adding that their exit would not affect ADC’s growth.

“The governors that are going to APC are the enemies of the people and people know this. They are hated, so it is good riddance to bad rubbish,” he said. Also speaking at the event, former Kwara State governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who recently joined the ADC from the PDP, said the party is ready to lead the country.

“The party has been prepared and is here to stay. It’s to demonstrate to us that a new dawn has been set up in Kwara. And it’s you and I,” he told reporters.

In his words, “This is the beginning of a new direction in our political experience and we are poised to take over leadership of the country in 2027.” The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, also took a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying it has lost relevance in Nigeria’s political scene.

Aregbesola, once a key ally of President Bola Tinubu, fell out with the APC leadership shortly before the 2022 Osun governorship election, leading to deep cracks within the party in the state.

The former minister had announced his return to active politics under the ADC platform, vowing to build a “credible alternative” to both APC and PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

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