I Belong to No Party says Obasanjo

By Sheriff Balogun in Abeokuta

Barely after six months after he tore his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) membership card, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that he does not belong to any political party in the country, saying he remains a “party-less” Nigerian.

Obasanjo who spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, while welcoming a state delegation of from Kogi State, led by the governor, Capt Idris Wada, said he  would continue to carry the toga of a statesman.

The former president in his comment, commended the developmental strides of Wada, noting that the less friction in the state under Wada’s administration was commendable.

Obasanjo further said he would continue to work with any Nigerian, with capability, good intention and leadership traits.
Prior to the general election, Obasanjo had directed that his PDP membership card be shredded.

He said: “Every body is welcome. But they must be with good leadership traits, with genuine intention to improve the country.”
He said contrary to the praises being showered on him for his performance as president under the PDP platform, it was important to emphasise that personality comes before the platform one represents to achieve desired goals.

According to to him: “We should understand first that it is not the party makes the person, but the person makes the party. It is who you are that you bring into the party. Though for now I remain a “party-less” Nigerian, but I will continue to welcome any Nigerian with good leadership qualities.

“It does not matter which party you are, either, PDP, APC, Labour, APGA or any other party for that matter, as long as you  are committed, sincere and a purposeful leader, I am ready for you. And that is what our brother is doing. I pray that this country will never be short of this type of people,” Obasanjo said.

Speaking earlier, Wada described Obasanjo as a father of the nation, stressing that those who believe in him, would continue to learn from his commitment and dedication to the growth of the country.

“Everywhere we mete Baba, we learn a lot and we shall continue to learn from him. His a father of the nation.
“He is a figure we admire. We pray that we all will be like him, because he is a committed Nigerian, who has devoted himself to the growth of the country. So, why not, if some of us decide to emulate him, be with him and appreciate him.”

Wada explained further that the visit to Obasanjo was coming on the heels of his award as the best governor in the country in Lagos State.

He said: “Since we were honoured as the best governor yesterday (Sunday), in Lagos, we deemed it appropriate to come down to Abeokuta to report to our father, the little recognition we are getting.

“As you know, Baba Obasanjo is our father, our role model and a shining example for the nation and the world at large,” the governor added.
However, women leader of the PDP in Kogi State, Olori Margaret Orebiyi, who also spoke during the visit, described Obasanjo as the landlord of the Nigerian nation, saying “apart from God, Obasanjo is the landlord of this country.

“Some of us who were opportune to have work with you closely understand you humility, your dedication and your commitment for Nigeria to remain one. We pray that God will continue to preserve you for us till you see the Nigeria of your dreams,” she added.