Align Your Governorship Ambition with God’s Purpose, Obasanjo tells Adebutu
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday received key candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, including the party’s governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and the Ogun Central Senatorial candidate, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, during a private meeting at his penthouse within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta. Addressing the delegation, Obasanjo said […]
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday received key candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, including the party’s governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and the Ogun Central Senatorial candidate, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, during a private meeting at his penthouse within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.
Addressing the delegation, Obasanjo said he had withdrawn from partisan politics but remained deeply committed to the welfare and progress of Nigerians.
The former President urged Adebutu to pursue his governorship ambition with wisdom and humility, stressing that leadership should be driven by service rather than personal ambition.
Speaking on the country’s economic challenges, Obasanjo lamented that Nigeria had failed to manage its abundant resources effectively.
“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.”
He advised the PDP candidate to ensure that his plans for Ogun State aligned with God’s purpose.
“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 a large African country, 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.”
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Adebutu described Obasanjo as a father figure, mentor, and statesman whose counsel remains invaluable.
Adebutu said the purpose of the visit was to seek the former president’s fatherly blessing.
“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 toward 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 development. We have received his blessings and wise counsel, and with that encouragement, we are determined to move forward in the interest of our people,” he said.