Obasanjo's 2006 Decision: Yar'Adua Over El-Rufai

Akin Osuntokun, a former director of the Labour Party presidential campaign council, disclosed that Olusegun Obasanjo chose Umaru Musa Yar'Adua over Nasir El-Rufai as his preferred successor in 2006. This decision was made during discussions about Obasanjo's exit strategy, where a nine-member caucus, chaired by Attorney General Bayo Ojo, was tasked with identifying a successor.

Despite El-Rufai's high public profile and effectiveness as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Obasanjo expressed reservations about him. Osuntokun noted that Yar'Adua had a long-standing relationship with Obasanjo, being the first governor to publicly support Obasanjo's presidential ambitions in 1999.

Although the caucus initially favored El-Rufai, Obasanjo ultimately chose Yar'Adua, citing the latter's credibility and family ties. The political dynamics shifted later, leading to tensions between El-Rufai and Ribadu, who went into exile amid political pressure.