Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared his support for a new political party, distancing himself from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that he was once associated with. In a statement released through his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo refuted claims of forming a new party but emphasized his stance against partisan politics. He visited the Yaba Left psychiatric hospital in Lagos and urged Nigerians to unite in peace and security to address the challenges of insecurity, unemployment, hunger, and poverty facing the nation.
Obasanjo’s history of involvement in politics dates back to his time as President of Nigeria. In 2018, he founded the Coalition of Nigeria Movement (CNM), which was a non-partisan platform aimed at redeeming Nigeria. The CNM later merged its membership into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Despite these political affiliations, Obasanjo has consistently maintained that he is not interested in partisan politics.
Recently, there have been discussions within the PDP about zoning and selecting a presidential candidate for the 2023 election. PDP leaders have sought Obasanjo’s input in this process due to his experience and influence in Nigerian politics. However, Obasanjo has made it clear that he is no longer involved in partisan politics and has even gone as far as tearing up his PDP membership card.
By distancing himself from partisan politics and openly declaring his support for a new political party while leaving behind the PDP, Obasanjo is signaling a shift in his political stance. This move could have significant implications for the political landscape in Nigeria as Obasanjo remains a prominent figure with considerable influence.
