Former presidential adviser on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu, has stated that former President Olusegun Obasanjo did not favour Yoruba people during his time in office, arguing that Nigeria’s leadership should be based on competence rather than ethnicity or rotational arrangements.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources programme on Friday, Ojudu criticised calls for power rotation that ignore the issue of effective governance.

According to him, Nigeria is facing serious national challenges that require capable leadership, regardless of where a leader comes from.

“I would be working against my own principles if, at this age, I say that the governance of this country will be determined by rotational or by ethnic or regional considerations,” Ojudu said.

“Whoever can solve the problems of this country, wherever he comes from, I don’t care.”

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The former presidential aide maintained that ethnic sentiment should not influence political choices, insisting that leadership should be evaluated based on performance and the ability to improve citizens’ lives.

Referencing both Obasanjo and President Bola Tinubu, Ojudu argued that having leaders from one’s ethnic group does not automatically translate into better living conditions for the people.

“We are talking about serious problems. Obasanjo was there and didn’t favour Yoruba people; is Tinubu not there now? Am I able to buy fuel at an affordable cost?” he asked.

“Am I able to sleep for eight hours? Am I able to drive on the road? It’s not about who is there but who is there should be decided by competence and not where you were born.”

Ojudu further stressed that national development and security should take priority over ethnic or regional affiliations.

“If somebody calls himself my brother and can’t solve the problems of this country, of what benefit is that to me when I have problems that he can’t solve?” he added.

His comments come amid ongoing political debates over zoning, power rotation and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with many political stakeholders divided on whether competence or regional balancing should determine Nigeria’s next leadership direction.