Nigeria can overcome challenges in 2.5 years with right leadership — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the lawmaker representing Ideato North/South federal constituency of Imo State, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, and five of his House of Representatives colleagues to remain dedicated to reforming Nigeria.

Obasanjo stressed the importance of transparent and efficient governance and urged them to focus their efforts on enacting legislation that improves the lives of Nigerian citizens, saying: “Nigeria needs to get leadership right to overcome challenges within two and a half years.”

Obasanjo made this call on Friday during a meeting with the six federal lawmakers, led by Hon. Ugochinyere, who also serves as the chairman of the House Committee on Downstream Petroleum.

The meeting took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The other lawmakers present were Hon. Abdulmalik Danga (Adavi/Okehi), Dr. Usman Midala (Askira-Uba/Hawul), Hon. Peter Aniekwe (Anambra East/West), and Kama Nkemkanma (Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo federal constituency).

Before the meeting went into a closed-door session, Obasanjo expressed concern about Nigeria’s current economic difficulties. He stated that the country needs “moral rearmament” to address its socio-economic challenges and insisted that progress is impossible without changes in governance.

Obasanjo noted that proposals for a single presidential term, one-day nationwide elections, and a rotation of power between the North and South can only be effective if principled leaders are in place. He stressed that Nigeria will only advance when individuals with integrity and good role models hold positions of power.

Obasanjo stated, “Nigeria needs to get leadership right to overcome challenges within two and a half years. In ten years, we should consolidate achievements, and in 25 years, we could see significant progress. Our problem is that we often take steps forward and backwards, which impedes progress.

“We need to rethink democracy and adapt a model that works for Africa. Whether we have a single six-year term or two four-year terms, our focus should be on improving our mentality and approach.

“We must address our own issues before worrying about term lengths. If the same mindset prevails in power, nothing will change. The real starting point is ourselves.”

Ugochinyere, in his remarks, stated that they met with Obasanjo to discuss national issues, express solidarity, and gain insights into development and good governance. He praised Obasanjo for his previous reforms and expressed regret that past administrations did not build upon them.

Ugochinyere noted, “If previous governments had continued with electricity reforms, foreign policies, civil service reforms, and digital reforms, we would not be facing the current economic challenges. Your reforms laid important foundations, and we hope the current administration can build upon them.”

He informed Obasanjo that the lawmakers are co-sponsoring bills for a single six-year presidential term, power rotation between the North and South, and one-day elections to address systemic issues.

Hon. Abdulmalik Danga also appealed to Obasanjo to support the idea of rotating power within the three senatorial districts of each state to reduce marginalisation and ethnic agitation. Danga suggested including this rotation in the constitutional amendment to ensure fair representation across all regions.