Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has voiced strong criticism of regionalism, asserting that it is a fundamental cause of Nigeria’s persistent challenges. Speaking on Tuesday, October 22, during a visit from the League of Northern Democrats, Obasanjo lamented that the regional divisions established at Nigeria’s independence in 1960 continue to impede the nation’s progress.
Addressing the delegation led by former Kano State governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Obasanjo emphasized that a leader’s geographical origin should be secondary to their contributions to national development. “Where a leader hails from does not matter. Rather, what he brings to the table in terms of development and governance should matter,” he stated.
He urged the group to consider rebranding themselves, suggesting they adopt a more inclusive name, such as the “National League of Democrats,” rather than being identified solely as a regional entity focused on the North. Obasanjo argued that Nigeria’s preoccupation with regional identities—whether North, East, or West—has exacerbated the country’s issues.
“One of the things that led us to where we are today, and we haven’t gotten out of, is regionalism. Whenever I hear ‘North’, ‘East’ or ‘West’, I get frightened,” Obasanjo remarked, highlighting the detrimental effects of such divisions.
While acknowledging the group’s concerns regarding Nigeria’s political landscape, the former president stressed the importance of addressing these challenges with a national perspective, advocating for unity and collective progress.