Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, PhD, says he has no candidate for any political office in 2019.
He said this on Wednesday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential library, Abeokuta, during a courtesy visit by a youth group from Delta State led by a governorship aspirant, Frank Esanubi.
Obasanjo, who said he had taken a decision in 2015 not to participate any longer in partisan politics, added that he would rather remain an elder statesman having a passion for a greater Nigeria.
He further explained that his recent open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari was not in any way to disrespect him or his office.
Obasanjo said in the letter he was only articulating his views about the situation in the country and offering his candid advice.
He explained that his statement was thoroughly thought out, adding that as a former President, he could not hold the office of the President in contempt.
Obasanjo, however, reiterated that the Coalition for Nigeria Movement would remain a socio-political movement, insisting that he would cease to be a member of the coalition the moment it transformed into a political party or became partisan.
He said, “In the year 2015, I said I would no longer participate in partisan politics. And I still stand by my decision.
“Everybody, irrespective of his or her political affiliation is free to come here for advice, I will gladly do that. I have no candidate, whatsoever, for any political office. I just believe that things must be done differently in Nigeria to get different result.
“If you study our transitions since the colonial era, they have all taken place without taking the people at the grassroots into consideration.
“So, the CNM is about the people at the grassroots. It is a socio-economic movement where youth and women, especially, will be given an opportunity to appreciate their interests and power. Unlike before, I believe we must put the Ox before the cart.
“If the system and the platform sync, I believe Nigeria will get there. And like I said, the moment the coalition gets involved in candidate sponsoring or participates in partisan politics, I will opt out of it.”
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