According to a report by Daily Post on Friday, June 5, 2026, Babafemi Ojudu, former presidential adviser on Political Matters, on Friday stated that former President Olusegun Obasanjo did not give preferential treatment to Yoruba people during his tenure.
Ojudu made the statement while criticizing calls for rotational presidency, arguing that such demands undermine the importance of competence in leadership.
He emphasized that leadership selection should prioritize ability and effectiveness rather than ethnicity or regional origin.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, the former presidential aide stressed that national governance should not be guided by ethnic or regional biases.
He suggested that merit and problem-solving capacity must be the core criteria for political leadership.
Ojudu highlighted the potential dangers of allowing ethnic or regional considerations to dictate political appointments.
He argued that placing such priorities above competence could compromise the country’s ability to address its pressing socio-economic challenges.
He pointed to the administration of former President Obasanjo as an example, noting that despite being of Yoruba origin, Obasanjo did not provide favoritism to his ethnic group.
Ojudu used this example to reinforce his argument that effective governance is independent of regional or ethnic loyalty.
The former presidential aide also referenced current national challenges, questioning whether leadership from any region automatically translates into tangible improvements for citizens.
He suggested that citizens’ everyday struggles, such as the affordability of essential commodities, should be a measure of governance effectiveness.
He stated: “I would be working against my own principles if at this age and I say that the governance of this country will be determined by rotational or by ethnic or regional considerations. Whoever can solve the problems of this country, wherever he comes from I don’t care. We are talking of 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?
