Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo disclosed that he turned down an attempt to endorse Nasir El-Rufai as his successor. The revelation came during a public statement on Friday. El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, was proposed but ultimately not supported by Obasanjo.
On Friday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo shared details of a past political maneuver involving his potential endorsement of Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State. Obasanjo explicitly stated that he rejected the move to position El-Rufai as his successor.
This disclosure highlights the intricate dynamics of Nigerian politics during Obasanjo's era. As a key figure in the country's leadership transitions, Obasanjo's decisions have long influenced political alignments. The rejection underscores his selective approach to endorsements, though specific reasons for the decision remain undisclosed in the available information.
El-Rufai, known for his tenure as Kaduna's governor from 2015 to 2023, has been a prominent political actor. His potential alignment with Obasanjo's legacy would have carried significant weight, but Obasanjo's refusal closed that avenue.
The statement revives interest in succession politics in Nigeria, where endorsements from elder statesmen like Obasanjo often shape trajectories. No further details on the timing or context of the proposal were provided.