Atiku Abubakar Celebrates Olusegun Obasanjo’s 89th Birthday, Honors His Legacy Of Service And Unity

Peoples Democratic Party 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has paid tribute to former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he celebrates his 89th birthday. In a message shared on his official X account on Thursday, Atiku described Obasanjo as a leader whose life has been marked by service, courage, and steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s unity. “At 89, President Olusegun Obasanjo’s life reflects service, courage, and an enduring dedication to our nation. His journey has been remarkable, and his contributions to Nigeria’s unity and progress remain significant,” Atiku wrote. He added that Obasanjo’s life stands as a testament to true leadership and devotion to the Nigerian project, while also praying for his continued health and strength. “I pray that God grants him good health, strength, and many more years of impactful service to our country and humanity,” Atiku said. Extending personal greetings, he concluded, “On behalf of my family, I warmly congratulate my former boss and a statesman whose life exemplifies the strength and beauty of Nigeria’s diversity.”

Read More

Iyabo Obasanjo Vows To Win Ogun State Governorship

Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has officially thrown her hat into the race for Ogun State governor, expressing confidence in her ability to win. Speaking on Wednesday during the “Frontline” programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Obasanjo said, “I’m going to win,” signaling her return to active politics after a 15-year break. She recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and announced her intention to contest the governorship election. Obasanjo previously served as senator for Ogun Central from 2007 to 2011. She also held the position of Ogun State Commissioner for Health and is a respected epidemiologist. After losing her 2011 re-election to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), she returned to the United States to focus on academia, eventually attaining the rank of professor. On the radio show, Obasanjo said her campaign is centered on bridging governance gaps and improving the lives of Ogun citizens. “The position I’m going to run for is governor, and I believe it fits the skills I bring to the table. As Ogun citizens, I hope that when I’m governor, I will touch your life either directly or indirectly in a way that will improve your lives,” she stated. She addressed concerns over the call for power to shift to Ogun West, noting that although the region has not produced a governor in 50 years, constitutional law does not mandate power rotation. Highlighting the distribution of past governors, she said, “We’ve had three from Ogun East and two from Ogun Central. So, is Central to blame for West? Personally, I assisted late General Olurin during his PDP candidacy, but it did not work.” On gender politics, Obasanjo said she will not leverage her gender in the campaign, but pledged to support the rise of an Ogun West governor after her term. “Yes, after me, because I’m going to win,” she affirmed. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, she cited limited campaign time and resources as obstacles, but expressed confidence in voters’ judgment. “Time is a disadvantage because I came in a little late. I don’t think money makes elections. I believe that people are good people, and they know who will do right by them,” she said. Obasanjo also addressed her chances of securing the APC ticket against other prominent party members, saying, “Everybody is politicking. There is no reason why I shouldn’t be out there politicking with them if I want the post. Is it 100%? It’s not 100% for anybody, and it’s not 100% for me. But I will do everything I can to make sure I’m the candidate.”

Read More

Obasanjo Claims He Cannot Confirm His Age, Cites Surviving Classmates as Reference

Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has once again revealed that he does not know his exact age, explaining that estimates can only be made by comparing it with the ages of his surviving former classmates. Speaking on Sunday at the Toyin Falola Interview Series titled “A Conversation with His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,” the former president noted that several of his primary and secondary school contemporaries are still alive, none younger than 90. The session was moderated by Professor Toyin Falola, with Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Dr. Matthew Kukah and former presidential candidate Professor Kingsley Moghalu also in attendance. Obasanjo took the opportunity to discuss the purpose of his presidential library, describing it as a repository for preserving national records and strengthening institutional memory. He revealed that over three million documents have already been digitized, with an equal number yet to be processed. “The idea is that when these materials are digitalized, people can have access to them. As document preservation, we preserve the past, take note of the present, and aim to inspire the future,” he said. The library contains a wealth of personal and historical records, including his academic files, letters, and manuscripts. Notable items include a letter he wrote to former military ruler General Sani Abacha after the death of his son, a letter to his wife during his imprisonment, and manuscripts of books he authored while in confinement. Despite these detailed records, Obasanjo said he still could not definitively state his age. “I don’t know my exact age, but I could judge from those who were in school with me. For instance, Olubara (Oba Jacob Olufemi Omolade, the Olubara of Ibara) is still alive. I believe there are six of my classmates in secondary school that I know are still alive, and none of them is less than 90 years old. So I leave it to you to guess what my age could be,” he said. He added that his preserved school record cards, manuscripts, and other materials became part of the presidential library, emphasizing the importance of maintaining institutional memory. “One of the things we don’t do well in our society is keeping records. Institutional memory is not something we prioritize,” Obasanjo noted. The presidential library, he explained, is designed not only to preserve history but also to provide future generations with access to important national and personal archives, ensuring lessons from the past can guide the future.

Read More

Presidency Blames Obasanjo For Early Boko Haram Growth, Defends Tinubu’s Anti-Terror Strategy

The Presidency on Sunday criticised former President Olusegun Obasanjo for allowing the early foundations of Boko Haram to take root during his tenure, accusing him of indecisive action that enabled the sect to grow into a full-fledged terrorist threat. Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare said, “Terrorism took root on his watch and grew because it was not stopped. The ideological foundations and early cells of Boko Haram were incubated during Obasanjo’s civilian presidency. While they recruited, indoctrinated, built camps, and flaunted authority, the state failed to act decisively. For the leader under whom the first seeds of terrorism were allowed to germinate to now issue public lectures is not just ironic, it is reckless.” Dare dismissed claims by Obasanjo and other critics suggesting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is incapable of protecting Nigerians, calling such statements hypocritical, misleading, and dangerous. He noted that Nigeria is now contending with a complex network of terrorists, including ISIS-linked and al-Qaeda-linked groups, violent extremist cells posing as bandits, cross-border terror gangs, and ideological insurgents in ungoverned spaces. He added, “What started as a preventable sect during Obasanjo’s tenure later mutated into a violent insurgency and a regional terror franchise aligned with global jihadist movements.” Urging Obasanjo to acknowledge the failures of his administration, Dare said, “A real statesman offers support, not soundbites. He should use his influence to back ongoing efforts instead of publicly undermining Nigeria’s security.” Dare highlighted that President Tinubu is confronting a full-spectrum terrorist threat with a comprehensive strategy that combines modern military operations, intelligence-driven interventions, governance restoration in underserved communities, counter-radicalisation programmes, economic stabilisation, and efforts to build trust with local populations. “This administration will not be distracted by selective amnesia wrapped in elder-statesmanship, nor will it allow those who midwifed Nigeria’s early security failures to rewrite history,” Dare said, calling on all Nigerians to unite against terrorism.

Read More

Obasanjo: Nigerians Have the Right to Seek International Help if Government Fails to Protect Them

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that Nigerians are justified in seeking assistance from the international community if the government fails in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property. Obasanjo made the statement during the 2025 Plateau Unity Christmas Carol held at the Ten Commandments Altar in Jos, where he served as a special guest at the invitation of the Plateau State Government. Speaking on the rising insecurity across the country, the former president said Nigerians should not feel compelled to apologise for seeking external support when internal mechanisms fail. “If our government cannot do it, we have the right to call on the international community to do for us what our government cannot do, and we should have no apology for that,” he said. Highlighting the capabilities of modern surveillance technology such as satellites and drones, Obasanjo questioned why criminals continue to operate freely and evade accountability. “Why are we apologising? Why are we negotiating? The government must stop the killing of Nigerians. We are being killed, we are tired, and we want the killing to stop,” he added. Obasanjo further expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and urged authorities to take decisive action to restore peace and stability across Nigeria.

Read More

Fayose Confirms Obasanjo Returns $20,000 After Birthday Dispute

Former Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose has confirmed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has returned the $20,000 he had previously given him, following a renewed dispute between the two. Fayose said in an interview that the money was returned after he wrote to Obasanjo and has now been converted to naira and returned to him. Fayose explained that he had given Obasanjo the funds at the latter’s request, reportedly to cover travel logistics, during a period of reconciliation ahead of Obasanjo’s 65th birthday celebration. However, Obasanjo later made critical remarks about him at the event, which led Fayose to write to him. “I have written to him, and he has returned my $20,000. And I thank him for returning it,” Fayose said, expressing satisfaction at getting his money back.

Read More

Fayose Reveals He Almost Hit Obasanjo with Microphone Over Birthday Remarks

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has recounted a tense encounter with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his 65th birthday, revealing he was so angered by the remarks that he briefly felt like hitting him with the microphone. During the Lagos celebration, Obasanjo addressed their long-standing political feud, calling Fayose “not the best” of his protégés while acknowledging his political accomplishments. In an interview with AF24 News posted on YouTube, Fayose said, “I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjo’s hand and hitting it on his head. This is being sincere.” Fayose explained that he had made efforts to reconcile with political rivals ahead of the event. “Whatever differences we have had in the past, let’s put them behind us. If I have offended you, if you have offended me, let us put it behind us,” he said. He reached out to Obasanjo through mutual friend Osita Chidoka, but stressed that the call was not an apology. “I never called to apologise to Baba. I did not offend him. He was the one who removed me from office. If anybody should apologise, it is he,” Fayose said. Obasanjo reportedly welcomed Fayose warmly before the celebration and confirmed his attendance despite another engagement in Rwanda. Fayose also arranged $20,000 for the former president’s travel logistics, questioning how someone could accept help and then make disparaging comments. The tension peaked when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last at the event, after the Vice President, and requested that Fayose and his wife stand beside him during a speech that lasted one hour and 14 minutes, which Fayose described as filled with subtle jabs. “How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?” he asked, adding that he restrained himself out of respect for the Vice President’s presence. Fayose said his attempts at reconciliation were sincere, but Obasanjo’s actions showed no interest in peace. “If I knew this was how it would end, what do I need Obasanjo for? Am I contesting the election? Do I need his validation? No,” he concluded.

Read More

Fayose Reignites Feud With Obasanjo, Saying “As Old As You, Yet So Irresponsible”

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has reignited his long-standing feud with former President Olusegun Obasanjo following his 65th birthday celebration in Lagos. Obasanjo had attended the event and reportedly criticized Fayose for previous personal attacks, stating that he had forgiven him. The gesture was initially seen as a possible reconciliation between the two political figures. However, Fayose responded sharply in a message shared through Obasanjo’s Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Monday. Expressing outrage over the former president’s remarks, Fayose described them as “irresponsible” and attacked Obasanjo’s character. He wrote: “Dear Baba Obasanjo, I appreciate your presence at my birthday party, except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. You went so low, but I am not surprised, because someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong. I remained silent at the function so the world could see the difference between a sane and a mad man. It is also clear that you have lost your sanity—or should I say it is the heightened stage of dementia. Not to worry, Baba. I shall set the records straight in due course.” The message signals that the supposed reconciliation may have collapsed, with tensions between the former governor and ex-president once again coming to the forefront.

Read More