Spotlight on the Endorsement of GMB by FORMER PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN



OBJ

The former president was the nation’s military leader from 13 February 1976 to 1 October 1979 and a democratically elected president from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. Despite the completion of his tenure, he has remained active and relevant in the political decision of Nigeria.

He is a member of Peoples Democratic Party alongside the incumbent president of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ). He chose the late Musa Yar’dua as his successor and also endorsed the candidacy of GEJ after the demise of Yaradua. However, “not very clear reason” led to the fractional issues between the GEJ and his political father –Obasanjo. The PDP political gladiators had tried on several occasions to resolve the dispute between them all to no avail.

Obasanjo is known to be diplomatic in his public statement usually on preferred political candidate but reverse is the case now as OBJ was quoted to approve the opposition candidate, General Muhammad Buhari (GMB). He nullified several allegations levelled against Buhari ranging from health, certificate and islamisation of Nigeria state. The reason for sudden adoption of the “forbidden stone” by OBJ is yet to be unravelled.    

The Endorsement of Buhari

OBJ statements during an interview with the Financial Times at the launch of his autobiography titled, ‘My Watch’, in Nairobi, Kenya was shocking. “He knows that the circumstances he, referring to Buhari, would be working under if he wins the election is different from the ones he worked under before, where he was both the Executive and the Legislature” He further stated that “He is smart enough, he is educated enough. He’s experienced enough. Why shouldn’t I support him?” he said

He was questioned about his response to the Financial Interview in Kenya at the launch of his new book ‘My Watch’ in the United Kingdom, and his response was  “well, whatever you get in the paper and in the press, please yourself”. “What I said, I maintain that I will say it again and I will do it. When the time comes for me to vote, I will consider the track record of all the candidates that are contesting and I will assess and based on my own assessment for who I believe have the best track record to perform the job of the Nigerian President, then he will have my vote”

The OBJ I know is dauntless and “ruthless”, though his responses were not direct but a clear indication that the former president may be supporting GMB.   

GMB and GEJ

OBJ’s Reaction to Elections Postponement

OBJ expressed his displeasure against the postponement. He however accused GEJ of masterminding the process for the purpose of winning the election by all means and that if he did not win he might instigate anarchy in the country.

 “The presidency should not remove the Independent National Electoral Chairman, Attahiru Jega as this decision may result in uproar in the country” he said during an interview session in his Ogun resident on Saturday.

 He further stated that possibility of the country in defeating the Boko Haram sects is not certain.

From all indications, it is crystal clear that the former President may be ready to follow Buhari. If “the shower of blessing” from OBJ is straight from the heart, then GMB would be soaked with more votes from his circle of influence within and outside PDP. But could the adoption be because of their military background- Once a soldier is forever a soldier, the past working relationship in democratic dispensation, integrity of Buhari, strong passion of OBJ for the Country or as a punishment for a “stubborn child”?

I know a lot of people believe in the endorsement of Buhari by OBJ, but I am still of opinion that it may be the execution of Law 14 of 48 Laws of Power “Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy” by Robert Greene in order to achieve Law 15 “Crush your Enemy Totally”.

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