Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria has opened up concerning rumors that he chose late ex-president, Musa Yar’Adua as his successor because of his ill health.
During an interview with The Cable, Obasanjo debunked the tremor stating that he deliberately knew Yar’Adua was ill, but he chose him as successor because of his selfish interest.
Speaking on the matter, the former president stated that he chose him (Yar’Adua) because medical advice showed that Yar’Adua, who had a kidney transplant, was fit to act as President.
TopNaija understands that Former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili were among those who contested for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket.
Obasanjo, however, settled for Yar’Adua, who died in office on May 5, 2010.
He said, “I set up a committee headed by Dr. Olusegun Agagu, of blessed memory, to search for a successor. They considered many names and did an extensive assessment of all of them. They made their recommendation. Umaru was top on the list.
“Their biggest argument in his favour was that he had integrity and would not steal. The issues concerning his health were raised and I gave his medical reports to an expert for an opinion. Umaru’s name was redacted so that the expert would not know who it was and why I was seeking his opinion.
“After assessing the reports, he said the patient appeared to have done a kidney transplant and if that was the case, there was nothing to worry about and he would be as healthy as any other person. That was it. All insinuations that I knew he was going to die and that was why I supported him to be president were false. This is the true story I have told you.”