Obasanjo urges politicians to serve with God's purpose in mind

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday urged politicians across Nigeria to align their ambitions with God's purpose and focus on serving the people.

Obasanjo, who was President from 1999 to 2007, said he may no longer be involved in party politics, but he still cares about good governance and the welfare of Nigerians.

He made these comments while receiving Oladipupo Adebutu, the 2027 Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ogun State, and other PDP leaders at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

The group included Obasanjo's daughter, Iyabo Obasanjo, who is the PDP’s senatorial candidate for Ogun Central.

While speaking to the visitors, Obasanjo said he has stepped back from party politics but is still keen on the country’s development.

He urged politicians to lead with wisdom and humility, saying political ambition should focus on serving others, not personal gain.

He also expressed disappointment about Nigeria's poor management of its rich natural resources.

“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,” Obasanjo said.

After the meeting, Adebutu spoke with journalists and called Obasanjo a father figure and mentor whose advice is very important.

He said the visit was to seek the former president’s blessing and guidance as he moves forward in politics.

“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 key 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,” Adebutu said.