Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has voiced deep concerns over the current state of the nation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing Nigeria as a country in bondage due to rising insecurity, worsening economic conditions, and leadership rooted in ethnic affiliations.
Speaking from his residence in Abeokuta on Friday, Obasanjo emphasized the urgent need for a genuine national leader who can move the country forward. He made the statement while receiving a delegation of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from the southern part of the country. The group had visited him as part of their consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We are in bondage,” Obasanjo lamented, according to The Guardian. “Let us continue to watch events closely, but more importantly, let us pray to God to rescue this country.”
Clarifying his stance on politics, the former president said he had no loyalty to any political party. “I’m not in any party. Nigeria is the only political party I recognize. My concern is for the nation’s progress,” he stated.
He warned against complacency and called for active civic participation, stressing that political apathy could lead to the emergence of selfish and unqualified leaders. Obasanjo criticized the nation’s long-standing ethnic approach to leadership.
“We have had Fulani presidents, Hausa presidents, Yoruba presidents… but we are yet to witness a truly Nigerian president—someone who represents the entire country, not just their ethnic group. Until that happens, our problems will persist,” he said.
The ex-president called for decisive steps to tackle insecurity, stabilize the economy, and end tribal-based politics. He further noted that true patriots are becoming rare in the Nigerian political space.
“There are very few true nationalists left in our politics today. Many politicians are only interested in what they can gain. Nigeria has not only let Africa down—it has disappointed the entire world,” he said.
Also speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, NNPP’s candidate in the 2023 Ogun State governorship election, echoed Obasanjo’s concerns. He described Nigeria’s political terrain as discouraging and in need of urgent reform.
“If we’re serious about rebuilding Nigeria, then our priority must be the welfare of the people,” Oguntoyinbo remarked. “As Nigerian youths, we are mobilizing ahead of 2027 to vote in credible and committed leaders.”
Chief Ademola Ayoade, NNPP’s Vice Chairman for the Southwest, stated that the visit to Obasanjo was aimed at seeking his counsel and blessings as the party prepares for the next general elections.
Responding to questions about the possibility of forming an alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition, Ayoade dismissed the idea.
“Not at this stage. We’re still focused on our consultations. There’s no alliance on the table for now,” he clarified.
Ayoade also debunked rumours suggesting that NNPP’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, was planning to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“It’s just speculation. As far as we know, there’s no such move,” he concluded.
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