Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that it is unjust to place the blame solely on the Igbo for their attempts to secede from Nigeria. He highlighted that all three major ethnic groups in the country have, at different times, sought to break away. Obasanjo expressed his dismay at comments suggesting that no Igbo person could become Nigeria’s President due to the Igbo’s involvement in the January 15, 1966 coup that ended the First Republic.
He pointed out that people from other regions have also attempted to secede. These remarks were made during a meeting with a 20-member delegation from the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Recalling the North’s own secessionist movements, Obasanjo emphasized the need for unity among Nigerians. He expressed sadness over the idea that the Igbo’s past actions disqualify them from leadership roles, questioning the notion of superiority among different regions. He urged everyone to collaborate in building a stronger nation.
Obasanjo also acknowledged that many Nigerians share the concerns raised by the National League of Democrats, stating he would back the group if it pursued a national agenda rather than a regional focus.