2027: Pursue your ambition with wisdom, humility — Obasanjo advises Ladi Adebutu

Nigeria’s former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has advised the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, to pursue his ambition with utmost humility and wisdom and align his plans with God’s purpose.

Obasanjo gave the advice while receiving the PDP flag bearer and other candidates of the party, including his daughter, Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, who is the Ogun Central Senatorial candidate of the party, at his penthouse within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, on Monday.

Adebutu was in the company of stakeholders and leaders of the party at a private meeting with Obasanjo, which centred on Ogun’s future and the pursuit of good governance.

The two-term democratically elected President and former military Head of State reaffirmed his commitment to the progress and development of the country and, more importantly, the well-being of Nigerians.

He maintained his stance of withdrawing from partisan politics, submitting that the goals of party politics are not always the same as the goals of promoting the welfare and well-being of the people.

Obasanjo stressed that leadership should be driven by service rather than personal ambition.

Speaking on the country’s economic challenges, Obasanjo lamented that Nigeria has failed to manage its resources well despite its enormous potential.

“At this stage of my life, I have set party politics aside. The goals of party politics are not always the same as the goals of promoting the welfare and well-being of the people.

“I can no longer engage in partisan politics. However, I will always remain deeply interested in the welfare, well-being, and progress of our people. That commitment will never change.

“As for your desire and ambition, I encourage you to pursue them with wisdom and humility. Let your plans align with God’s purpose for your life, because it is ultimately God who directs our paths.

“We are blessed with large African countries, rich in land and abundant natural resources. Yet, despite these blessings, we have not managed them as well as we should. Our elders have a responsibility to provide guidance, preserve our traditions, and take meaningful action that will benefit future generations.

“We must focus on how best to harness what God has entrusted to us for the good of our people. I remain a village man at heart. I come from the village, and I am proud of my roots. Those values have stayed with me throughout my life,” he said.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Adebutu described Obasanjo as a father figure, mentor and statesman whose counsel remains invaluable.

Adebutu explained that the purpose of the meeting with Baba Obasanjo was to seek the fatherly blessing of the former President.

“First and foremost, we have come to spend quality time with our father, our mentor, and indeed, the father of modern Nigeria. We came to appreciate him for his invaluable contributions and to inform him of our resolve to pursue a path towards better governance for our state.

“There is no one more deserving to be informed about the future of the state than someone who played a pivotal role in its creation. We have received his blessings and wise counsel, and with that encouragement, we are determined to move forward in the interest of our people,” the governorship candidate added.

Ogun Central Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, and former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Monday in Abeokuta.