Embattled national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, met former President Olusegun Obasanjo behind closed doors on Thursday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Messrs Obasanjo and Secondus claim their discussions centred around “nation-building.”

“One thing that Secondus told me that is sweet music in my ears is that although he was here as PDP Chairman, but that he had come to discuss the Nigeria situation,” Mr Obasanjo told reporters after the private meeting.

Similarly, Mr Secondus told journalists that “we need the advice of elders to move the nation forward.”

“I am happy about this visit because our elder statesman has rekindled our hope in Nigeria and we are going out with a renewed hope about Nigeria” he added.

Nonetheless, the opposition party supremo is facing hot plots to oust him from office as his tenure lapses by December.

Some governors, National Assembly members and party caucuses, members of his National Working Committee are pushing vehemently for him to quit office over allegations of corruption and incompetence.

Mr Obasanjo said his meeting with Mr Secondus was unscheduled but his doors would remain open to all and sundry by virtue of the position he occupied in the nation.

The elder statesman said his heart was gladdened because the discussion between the duo centred on development of Nigeria and not on party politics. 

He expressed concern about the situation of the country, saying the country’s development should be of paramount importance to anyone who loves the nation.

“Nigeria is not where it is supposed to be and may even degenerate if the right things are not done.

“Although the situation may be bad, it is not hopeless and not irredeemable. 

“I am an incurable believer as far as Nigeria’s destiny is concerned. 

“All we need to do is to join hands together to build a common front and forge ahead 

”I am sure Nigeria will still be better and be great,” he said. 

The elder statesman also emphasised on the need to enlist international support and tap from their wealth of experience. 

Mr Obasanjo urged Secondus to ensure that his love for Nigeria was not sacrificed on the altar of partisan politics. 

“Where it is necessary to wear the party cap, wear it; but where you need to wear the Nigerian leadership cap, please wear it,” he said. 

Responding, Mr Secondus described Mr Obasanjo as a global citizen who is vast on issues relating to nation-building. 

He added that politicians could only practise politics conveniently in a peaceful environment.

(NAN)