Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo endorsed Azimio Leader Raila Odinga for the African Union Chairperson position on Thursday, February 15.
During a press conference, Obasanjo asserted that Raila was the ideal candidate to succeed Moussa Faki, stating, “I have no doubt that my friend who is standing next to me is the right person to take over the mantle. If the EAC region backs him, I believe the rest of the continent will support him.”
Raila Odinga, responding to the endorsement, expressed his readiness and conviction to assume the role.
Moussa Faki, the current African Union Chairperson, expressed his readiness to serve the continent, citing extensive consultations and a belief in Africa’s potential for improvement.
Obasanjo rationalized his endorsement by emphasizing the importance of East Africa assuming leadership within the AU, highlighting the necessity for a candidate with prior high-level governmental experience.
Raila Odinga, having served as Kenya’s prime minister from 2007 to 2013, vowed to leverage his experience to guide Africa toward prosperity and posterity.
Asserting his Pan-Africanist beliefs, Raila stated, “Africa deserves better,” while elucidating his vision for the continent, emphasizing the utilization of its abundant natural resources for mutual economic benefit.
Raila, who previously served as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, expressed confidence in his ability to foster cooperation among African nations. The AU Chair is elected to a four-year term, with the option for one reelection. Moussa Faki is currently in his second and final term, having assumed the position in 2015.
