Goodluck Jonathan

 

Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has described ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo as the ‘boss of bosses’ saying any politician who ignores the elder statesman does so at his or her own peril.

Jonathan stated this while speaking with Dele Momodu, the Publisher of Ovation Magazine on issues relating to the build-up to the 2019 general elections.

The immediate past president said the chances of former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar would be brighter under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but added that he would need the endorsement and support of Obasanjo.

Jonathan said: “He (Atiku) can’t get the APC ticket. If Atiku gets our party ticket, he would compete well. He’s always been a passionate politician. But he would have to reach out to our boss, Baba OBJ, the boss of all bosses.

“We’ve all learnt at different times that you ignore OBJ at your own peril. OBJ has the magic wand, respected at home and abroad.”

Jonathan, who became  Nigeria’s number one citizen in 2009 following the death of Umar Musa Yar’Adua fell out with Obasanjo in 2013 despite the latter having played a major role in the political career of Jonathan, greatly influencing his choice as the late Yar’Adua’s presidential running mate.

Both men however reconciled in January this year when Jonathan paid a surprise visit to Ibogun, Ogun State, Obasanjo’s hometown, a gesture that has probably reduced the octogenarian’s criticisms of the administration of his successor.