Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated his unwavering commitment to the unity, peace, and development of Nigeria, urging citizens to rise above ethnic and religious sentiments in the pursuit of national progress.
Obasanjo made this call on Friday when a delegation of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leaders visited him at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The delegation, led by Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a South-West NNPP leader and former Ogun State gubernatorial candidate, said the purpose of the visit was to seek the former president’s guidance on pressing national issues and strategies for strengthening the country amid rising socio-economic challenges.
Addressing the NNPP team, Obasanjo clarified that he remains politically neutral, with his sole allegiance being to Nigeria.
“I do not belong to any political party. I belong to Nigeria,” Obasanjo said.
“My interest is in the unity, peace and security of this nation. I will continue to speak the truth to move Nigeria forward.”
He lamented the growing erosion of patriotic values among Nigerians and the growing trend of prioritising tribal or sectional identities above national cohesion.
Obasanjo stressed that such attitudes were detrimental to leadership and national development.
The NNPP delegation comprised national officers, zonal representatives, women leaders, and youth stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the party, Prince Nweze Onu, NNPP National Vice Chairman (South-East), described the visit as purely consultative and non-political.
“This visit is not political. We are not here for coalition talks or negotiations. We came to seek Baba Obasanjo’s guidance as someone who has led this country and continues to provide leadership outside partisan lines,” Onu said.
Prince Ademola Ayoade, the party’s Vice Chairman (South-West), reinforced this position, stating that the meeting was about tapping into Obasanjo’s wealth of experience for direction on national unity and governance.
NNPP chieftain Olufemi Ajadi condemned the self-serving nature of modern-day Nigerian politics, urging a shift toward leadership that prioritises national interest over personal gain.
“We need to start electing visionary leaders who are genuinely committed to human development,” Ajadi said. “Politics should no longer be a game of personal interest. It must be about addressing the needs of the people.”
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, also lauded Obasanjo for being a statesman whose reputation rises above party divisions.
“chief obasanjo is not working for any political party. he is working for nigeria,” johnson remarked.
Several NNPP women leaders present at the meeting: Mrs. Ronnie Dikko-Killa, Lady Chinyere Ofokansi, Mrs. Erelu Tosin Sole, and Alhaja Shakirat Arowolo emphasized the need for more inclusive governance and enhanced female participation in politics.
From the youth wing, Malik Sannie and Teluwo Kehinde called for targeted youth empowerment policies and broader youth involvement in political and governance processes.
In his closing remarks, Obasanjo urged the NNPP to remain committed to fostering unity and implementing policies that serve the broader interest of all Nigerians.
“If Nigeria must move forward, it needs selfless leadership and a national mindset that transcends tribal politics,” Obasanjo said.
“Focus on what unites us and develop policies that put Nigeria first.”
