Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and retired General T. Y. Danjuma have expressed deep concerns about the deteriorating quality of leadership in Nigeria. The two statesmen made their remarks during recent courtesy visits from members of the League of Northern Democrats (LND) in Abeokuta and Lagos.
Obasanjo promised to support the group as its patron, encouraging it to expand its operations to encompass the entire country. “Anytime you people metamorphose into a League of Nigerian Democrats, come back to me, and I will be your patron,” he stated. He expressed his hope that the league, given its distinguished membership, could bring about positive change in Nigeria. Obasanjo also praised the group for making the effort to visit him, especially amid the country’s challenging economic conditions.
General Danjuma lamented the decline of political leadership, noting that the situation is particularly dire in the northern region. He urged current public officials to prioritize the nation’s future over their personal interests, calling for immediate action to address the issue. “The quality of political leadership in Nigeria is going down and down and down,” Danjuma remarked, stressing the need for leaders to take responsibility and work towards meaningful change.
The LND, led by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, aims to foster credible leadership in the north by uniting various interest groups. Shekarau highlighted the pressing issues of insecurity and educational backwardness in the region, emphasizing the group’s commitment to improving governance.
Danjuma advised the league to pursue its vision with determination, recognizing the challenges posed by a powerful and corrupt political class that may resist their efforts. He promised to support the group in any way possible, acknowledging the importance of their initiative and dedication.
The emotional meeting also featured reflections from Muktari, the son of the late Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who recounted significant events from January 1966, honoring Balewa’s legacy as a great leader. In concluding remarks, LND Secretary Emmanuel Jime expressed gratitude for Obasanjo’s life and leadership, describing him as the most “nationalistic and detribalized Nigerian alive.”
Since its establishment in July, the LND has been actively engaged in consultations and defining its objectives, gaining traction among notable northern leaders, including former Vice President Namadi Sambo and other influential figures. With its growing membership, the LND seeks to become a formidable force in shaping Nigeria’s leadership landscape.
