Former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo now says Azimio leader Raila Odinga has a good chance at becoming the next African Union Commission chairperson
Speaking on Wednesday, Obasanjo said Raila’s chances are as good as anybody else’s, which is why those supporting him should continue lobbying and reaching out.
He said that for the people he has engaged, it does not look bad for the former Kenyan Prime minister.
Obasanjo, however, said that nothing should be left to chance.
“Raila has a good a chance as anybody else. But we should continue to work and let people know what he has to offer.
“By virtue of the position he has reached, he can knock at anybody’s door. Any president, any prime minister. He has the outreach and the support of his region. From what I have seen and those I have talked to, it’s not looking bad at all but it’s not over until it is over,” Obasanjo said.
The former Nigerian President noted that Africa experiences so many problems and the job holder must be someone who understands that.
“Problems of peace, security, food security, debt and to deal with all these problems. You need somebody with experience and you cannot say that Raila Odinga does not have that experience.”
Obasanjo said the AU Commission job needs someone who will work for the entire continent and not only his country.
He added that Raila has the experience to deliver on this aspect.
“We need someone who will not only be the candidate of his country but the region and I believe that Raila has been taken as the candidate of the region.
“You need somebody who can build a credible and efficient team and I believe Raila has had that type of experience. We were looking for somebody that will be able to understand the situation and be able to manage it,” Obasanjo said.
He is among the first leaders who declared support for Raila after he declared his intention to vie for the AUC job.
Obasanjo and Raila held a joint press conference at his Karen residence in Nairobi when he made his bid public.
