Tinubu Absent as Obasanjo Makes surprise Appearance At Aso Rock. Nigerians Erupt Online
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has made his first appearance at the Presidential Villa since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in, sparking intense debate across Nigeria’s political space—especially on social media and Nairaland.
Obasanjo’s visit on Friday was not for a closed-door political meeting, but for the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols held at the Aso Rock Chapel, hosted by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. Still, the optics of the visit—and the absence of President Tinubu—quickly became a national talking point.
What Obasanjo Did at Aso Rock
At the Christmas carol service, Obasanjo read the Second Lesson from Genesis 22:15–18, highlighting God’s covenant of blessings tied to obedience. Also present was former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who read from Genesis 3:8–12, reflecting on humanity’s first encounter with divine accountability.
The First Lady read the Ninth Lesson from John 1:1–14, emphasizing the incarnation of Christ, after which the congregation rose to sing “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
Why Tinubu’s Absence Is Generating Debate
Although the event was a Christian religious gathering, many Nigerians questioned why President Tinubu was not present, while others argued that his Muslim faith made his absence entirely reasonable.
Supporters of the President dismissed suggestions of political tension, insisting the visit was being over-interpreted for controversy.
“What is Tinubu, a Muslim, supposed to do at a Christmas carol?” one commenter asked.
Old Political Tensions Resurface
Obasanjo has been a vocal critic of the Tinubu administration, previously making pointed remarks about Nigeria’s declining global influence. He once recalled a time when the United States would inform Nigeria before taking major actions in Africa, contrasting that era with current diplomatic realities.
Those past comments resurfaced quickly, with critics framing Obasanjo’s Aso Rock appearance as ironic, while supporters viewed it as a symbolic reminder of Nigeria’s former stature.
Nigerians Clash Online
Reactions on Nairaland reflected Nigeria’s deep political and ethnic fault lines. While some users accused the former president of hypocrisy, others defended his right to attend a national religious event.
The conversation soon degenerated into tribal arguments, personal attacks, and historical blame-sharing, with Obasanjo’s legacy, Tinubu’s leadership, and even unrelated national issues dragged into the debate.
Despite the chaos, a recurring sentiment stood out: many Nigerians are exhausted by political symbolism and want tangible governance outcomes instead.
Beyond the Noise
Stripped of the online drama, Obasanjo’s visit was a religious appearance, not a political reconciliation. Yet, in Nigeria’s charged atmosphere, even symbolic gestures are rarely seen as neutral.
The episode underscores a broader reality—every move by political heavyweights is now interpreted through suspicion, rivalry, and past grudges, especially in a country grappling with economic and security challenges.
Obasanjo’s return to Aso Rock may have been brief and ceremonial, but the reaction shows how polarised Nigeria’s political discourse has become. Whether Tinubu’s absence was routine or symbolic, the public reaction reveals more about national tension than about the event itself.
As Nigeria heads deeper into Tinubu’s tenure, moments like this will likely continue to test public trust, historical memory, and political maturity.
