By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukeu
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented the absence of proper leadership grooming in Nigeria’s political system, saying unlike other professions, politicians often rise to power without any form of preparation.
Obasanjo stated this while speaking at the second edition of the Ajibosin Platform Annual Symposium held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“It’s only in politics that I found out there is no training for leadership,” he said. “Even among armed robbers, I was told there is apprenticeship. But in politics, there’s no training for leadership. That’s not good enough.”
The former president also disclosed that he once turned down a proposal to make former Kaduna State governor and ex-FCT Minister, Nasir El-Rufai, his successor in 2007, describing him as “not yet mature enough” to lead Nigeria at the time.
Obasanjo revealed that the recommendation came from former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, who was a close associate of El-Rufai during his administration.
“Let him tell you,” Obasanjo said jokingly to Chidoka. “He didn’t mention that when I was leaving government, he was pushing that his friend, El-Rufai, should be brought in as my successor.”
He added that Chidoka later admitted he was right after seeing El-Rufai’s performance in public office.
Chidoka, who delivered the keynote address, emphasized that true leadership lies in building enduring institutions rather than making lofty speeches.
“Leadership finds its true measure not in speeches or charisma, but in the systems it leaves behind,” he said, stressing that Nigeria’s problem has never been lack of ideas but lack of systems strong enough to outlive their founders.
He called for national dashboards to track government promises, budgets, and outcomes to ensure accountability in public service.