Dare Babalola
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed he declined to endorse ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as his successor in 2007, citing El-Rufai’s immaturity at the time.
At the Ajibosin Platform’s second annual symposium in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Friday, Obasanjo disclosed that former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka had proposed Nasir El-Rufai as his successor.
El-Rufai served in Obasanjo’s administration from 1999 to 2007, holding key roles such as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Chidoka, the keynote speaker, recounted how El-Rufai introduced him to Obasanjo at 34, leading to his appointment as Federal Road Safety Corps Corps Marshal. Obasanjo interrupted, highlighting a detail Chidoka omitted.
“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 refering to Chidoka.
Turning to Chidoka, Obasanjo asked, “No be so (Is that not true)?”
Chidoka nodded his head in agreement.
Obasanjo then added, “I did not yield to the pressure. Later, he said, ‘I suggested this person, why didn’t you agree?’ I said El-Rufai needs to mature. You remember?
“When I left 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 lauded Chidoka, El-Rufai, and his former team, acknowledging their exceptional qualities and contributions, which were instrumental in driving notable achievements during his administration.
