Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria, stating he would rather remain part of the nation than support the creation of an Oodua Republic. Obasanjo made this declaration on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In response to rising calls for the establishment of a Yoruba nation, Obasanjo highlighted the importance of national unity and downplayed regionalism, which he identified as a root cause of Nigeria’s prolonged disunity. He emphasized that leadership should be based on merit and competence rather than regional or ethnic affiliations.
“It is time we started working for the national interest. While you call yourselves the League of Northern Democrats, I wish you had named your group the National League of Democrats. Where we come from should not divide us,” Obasanjo said.
He added, “It is better to be a Nigerian than to belong to the Oodua Republic. I am proud to be Yoruba, but my identity as a Nigerian should not conflict with that.”
The former president expressed disappointment in Nigeria’s trajectory since independence, noting that the country has failed to meet expectations, both locally and globally.
“At independence, we were hailed as the giant in the sun. But today, we have let ourselves down, and with that, the black race, Africa, and the world at large,” he lamented.
Despite his concerns, Obasanjo remains optimistic about Nigeria’s future, urging citizens to set aside past mistakes and work together for the country’s greatness. He reiterated his lifelong commitment to Pan-Africanism and patriotism, declaring that he would continue to champion the interests of Nigeria and the African continent.
Speaking at the event, Shekarau stressed the need for unity, credible leadership, and righteousness in Nigerian politics. He explained that the League of Northern Democrats, which formed three months ago, seeks to contribute to national development across the country, not just in the northern region.
Both leaders underscored the importance of building a strong, unified Nigeria, emphasizing that the challenges facing the nation can be overcome through collective effort and a renewed focus on national cohesion.