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Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo recently shared the story of how a visit to Kenya, at the invitation of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, led to his imprisonment upon returning to Nigeria.
Speaking during the launch of Raila Odinga's candidacy for the African Union Commission chairmanship at State House, Obasanjo praised Raila and reflected on their long-standing friendship.
Obasanjo recounted that he first met Raila in the early 1990s when Raila invited him to Kisumu to honor his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
"Knowing you has been a blessing. Our acquaintance dates back to the early 1990s, which led to my visit to Kisumu in 1995, where we were just yesterday," Obasanjo said.
However, after that trip to Kenya, Obasanjo found himself in trouble back home. He was accused of conspiring to topple the Kenyan government and plotting a coup in Nigeria, which ultimately led to his imprisonment.
"When I returned to Nigeria, I was accused of coming to Kenya to align with the opposition to overthrow the Kenyan government. I was also charged with planning a coup in Nigeria, which landed me in prison," he explained.
Obasanjo noted that his time in prison turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it may have paved the way for his eventual presidency.
"So, your invitation to Kenya in 1995 and my inability to keep quiet when I returned home led to my imprisonment. But knowing you has been a blessing because, without that experience, I might never have become the President of Nigeria," he added.
Expressing his confidence in Raila's leadership, Obasanjo stated that Raila could bring significant transformation to Africa if elected as the African Union Commission chairperson.
"He will make Africa proud, powerful, peaceful, and prosperous. We need all of that, and you can count on our support," Obasanjo affirmed.
He also emphasized that supporting Raila comes with a responsibility for those who back him to ensure his success in the role.
“If we support you and you achieve this position, it becomes our duty to help you succeed. We will do our part and pray that you do yours,” he said.
Obasanjo also highlighted the widespread support Raila's candidacy is receiving domestically and regionally.
"He is not just a candidate for Kenya but for the entire East African community," he noted.
He further stressed that Africa needs Raila’s leadership, especially at this critical juncture in the continent’s development, amid global challenges like wars and conflicts.
“With war raging in Europe and Africa suffering from hunger and poverty, we cannot overcome these issues unless we unite as individual countries and as a continent,” Obasanjo explained.