Obasanjo attributes Nigeria's challenges to regionalism.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed on Tuesday in Abeokuta that the principle of regionalism continues to hinder Nigeria, identifying it as a fundamental issue afflicting the nation. His comments came during a visit from the League of Northern Democrats, where he remarked on the lingering desire for regionalism that has persisted since Nigeria’s independence in 1960.Obasanjo emphasized that the origin of a leader should be of less importance compared to their contributions to development and governance. He made these statements to a delegation led by former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau.“Regional affiliation should not dictate our choices. What truly matters is what a leader brings to the table in terms of governance and progress,” he asserted.He criticized the designation of the group, suggesting that it adopt a more inclusive name, such as the “National League of Democrats,” instead of emphasizing a regional identity. “The fixation on terms like ‘North,’ ‘East,’ or ‘West’ is alarming and reflects our ongoing struggle with regionalism. The name implies division rather than unity,” he stated. While acknowledging the group’s legitimate interest in addressing national concerns, he stressed that the focus should be on collaborative solutions. “Nigeria transcends individual states or regions, and we must view it as a unified entity,” he added. “I resonate with your concerns. If you adopt a national mandate, I would consider joining your efforts as a patron, even if my level of involvement is limited by age.”Shekarau, in his remarks, clarified that the group comprises individuals from northern Nigeria who share similar perspectives. He noted that it was formed three months ago following extensive discussions aimed at positively influencing the nation’s political landscape.With a membership of 400, the group aims to address pressing issues such as insecurity, national unity, youth engagement, and educational challenges. Shekarau also underscored the need for integrity and credibility in Nigeria’s leadership, reinforcing that these issues require focused attention and action to strengthen the democratic process.