By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, to pursue his ambition with humility, wisdom and unwavering faith in God, insisting that true leadership must be anchored on service to the people rather than personal ambition.

Obasanjo gave the advice while receiving Adebutu, the PDP’s Ogun Central Senatorial candidate, Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, and other party leaders, during a private meeting at his penthouse within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta.

The meeting, attended by key stakeholders of the opposition party in the state, focused on Ogun State’s future, the forthcoming elections and the need for good governance.

Although the former President reiterated that he had permanently withdrawn from partisan politics, he stressed that his commitment to Nigeria’s progress and the welfare of its citizens remained unwavering.

According to him, the objectives of partisan politics do not always align with the broader goal of improving the lives of the people.

“At this stage of my life, I have set party politics aside. The goals of party politics are not always the same as the goals of promoting the welfare and well-being of the people.

“I can no longer engage in partisan politics. However, I will always remain deeply interested in the welfare, well-being and progress of our people. That commitment will never change.”

The former President urged Adebutu to remain humble in the pursuit of his governorship aspiration, adding that every political ambition should be guided by divine purpose.

“As for your desire and ambition, I encourage you to pursue them with wisdom and humility. Let your plans align with God’s purpose for your life because it is ultimately God who directs our paths.”

Obasanjo also expressed concern over Nigeria’s inability to fully harness its abundant natural and human resources, describing it as a major challenge confronting the nation.

“We are blessed with vast land and abundant natural resources. Yet, despite these blessings, we have not managed them as well as we should.

“Our elders have a responsibility to provide guidance, preserve our traditions and take meaningful action that will benefit future generations.

“We must focus on how best to harness what God has entrusted to us for the good of our people. I remain a village man at heart. I come from the village, and I am proud of my roots. Those values have stayed with me throughout my life.”

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Adebutu described Obasanjo as a father figure, mentor and elder statesman whose counsel continues to inspire generations of leaders.

He said the visit was aimed at seeking the blessings and advice of the former President as the party intensifies preparations ahead of the governorship election.

“We came to spend quality time with our father, our mentor and indeed one of Nigeria’s foremost statesmen. We appreciate him for his immense contributions to our country and to Ogun State.

“We also came to brief him on our commitment to providing better governance for Ogun State and to seek his fatherly blessings.

“There is no one more deserving to be informed about the future of Ogun State than someone who played a significant role in its development. We have received his wise counsel and encouragement, and we are determined to move forward in the interest of our people.”

Among those present at the meeting was Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, the PDP’s Ogun Central Senatorial candidate and daughter of the former President, alongside other leaders and stakeholders of the party in Ogun State.