'I have dedicated the rest of my life to global peace, service to humanity'- Obasanjo
When I heard those words from General Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo my mind raced to the 2023 presidential elections and what role Obasanjo may likely play before his final exit from the political scene.
Baba Iyabo has proven to be one of the most patriotic Nigerian ever, his love for the unity of the country has never been in doubt from day one, his days in the Military was an attestation to his selfless service to the country.
Obasanjo's political life has its own slips and many may accuse him of one who never supported the Yoruba agenda, while some others say he's a very self-centred individual.
As a nationalist Obasanjo has always played a vital role in the administration of the country.
From recent events, the 2023 presidential elections would factor in so many interests aside from the usual zoning, religion, power separation etc.
The present tension ongoing in the country as regards insecurity, ethnic uprising and secessionist threats must be factored in the equation in deciding who takes over from President Buhari.
Competency, ability to manage a crisis, political maturity, required diplomatic experience, empathy with the Nation and a sound economical knowledge laced with creativity and productivity are basic requisite if we must get it right as a Nation in 2023.
Today the South-West classifies Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a living legend in Yoruba land because of his leadership qualities, they see him as a rallying point for the region and the Nation at large.
His charismatic personality and progressive ideas are added advantages. No doubt Obasanjo would find Tinubu's choice as a replacement to Buhari a national task and like his patriotism which has been constant as the Northern Star the former President may have no option other than to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2023 presidency.
Now from my personal forecast, Obasanjo would follow his predictable route.
Obasanjo kicked against Atiku's aspiration in 2007 and brought in Yar'Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.
When the Yar'Adua's administration was adrift due to the illness of Yar'Adua, Obasanjo was at the forefront of Goodluck Jonathan taking over, and when he was to contest Obasanjo was the champion of his candidacy in 2011.
In 2015 Obasanjo tore his party card(PDP) and supported Buhari against the same Goodluck Jonathan.
2019 Obasanjo was dissatisfied with Buhari's administration and threw his weight behind Atiku's candidacy. the same Atiku he fought endlessly.
Certainly, Obasanjo is not immune from the "you win some and you lose some diagnostic" as the Egba General has experienced his own share of political defeat, but be that as it may, his support and endorsement holds big authority in whatever context you wish to anchor your debate on.
So if we follow the trajectory of Obasanjo's support then you might have to agree with me that Uncle Sege this time around may have no option than to support the former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu who happens to be a one time political FOE.
Tinubu today happens to be the focal point for the South-West presidency and this may be the last act of patriotism Chief Olusegun Obasanjo may undertake before he finally bows out fully from the political scene to a full-time retirement at Otta.
Meanwhile the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III visited the National Leader of the All Progressives Party (APC); Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Bourdillon residence in Lagos on Saturday.
Aside from this visit, the South-West monarchs are at the forefront of Tinubu's presidency.
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah writes in from Abuja.
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