Former President Olusegun Obasanjo reaffirmed his dedication to Nigeria’s unity and stability, calling on citizens to prioritise the national interest over ethnic or religious considerations. Obasanjo made these comments on Friday when he received a delegation of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leaders at his residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The delegation, led by South-West NNPP chieftain and former Ogun State gubernatorial candidate Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, stated that its visit aimed to seek the former president’s counsel on nation-building amid Nigeria’s deepening socio-economic challenges.
Obasanjo, while addressing the NNPP officials, described himself as non-partisan, insisting that his concern lies solely with the country’s progress.
“I do not belong to any political party. I belong to Nigeria,” Obasanjo said. “My interest is in the unity, peace and security of this nation. I will continue to speak the truth to move Nigeria forward.”
He lamented what he called the declining sense of patriotism among Nigerians, citing the prioritisation of sectional loyalties over national unity. Referencing public comments by political figures, Obasanjo warned that reducing leadership to ethnic considerations was harmful to national development.
The NNPP delegation, comprising national and zonal party leaders, women and youth representatives, said the meeting was purely consultative. According to the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Prince Nweze Onu, the visit was a “homage to an elder statesman” to seek his blessings and wisdom.
“This visit is not political. We are not here for coalition talks or negotiations. We came to seek Baba Obasanjo’s guidance as someone who has led this country and continues to provide leadership outside partisan lines,” Onu said.
Echoing this sentiment, NNPP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Prince Ademola Ayoade, stated that the delegation was focused on learning from Obasanjo’s experience in charting a way forward for the country.
Ajadi, in his remarks, decried the self-serving nature of contemporary Nigerian politics, calling for a shift towards genuine leadership focused on national development. He urged the younger generation to engage meaningfully ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We need to start electing visionary leaders who are genuinely committed to human development,” Ajadi said. “Politics should no longer be a game of personal interest. It must be about addressing the needs of the people.”
The NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, described Obasanjo as one of Nigeria’s few statesmen whose influence transcends political affiliations.
“Chief Obasanjo is not working for any political party. He is working for Nigeria,” Johnson noted.
Women leaders within the NNPP, including Mrs. Ronnie Dikko-Killa, Lady Chinyere Ofokansi, Mrs. Erelu Tosin Sole, and Alhaja Shakirat Arowolo, also took the opportunity to call for more inclusive governance and stronger representation of women in political decision-making.
The youth wing of the party, represented by Malik Sannie and Teluwo Kehinde, urged the implementation of deliberate policies to empower Nigerian youths and encourage their participation in governance.
During the meeting, Obasanjo emphasised that the country’s progress depends on selfless leadership and a national mindset that goes beyond tribal politics. He urged NNPP leaders to focus on building unity and pursuing policies that serve the collective good.
