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Obasanjo Makes First Aso Rock Visit Under Tinubu, Joins Christmas Carol Service

In a notable political gesture, former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, December 12, 2025—marking his first appearance at the seat of power since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May.

Obasanjo, who has been publicly critical of the current administration and had previously abstained from official functions including Council of State meetings, attended the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols hosted by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

A Service of Scripture and Symbolism

At the annual Christmas event, a tradition fostering unity and reflection, Obasanjo participated by reading the **Second Lesson** from the Book of Genesis (22:15-18), a passage focusing on God's covenant of blessing.

Other notable figures present included former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, who read the First Lesson, and the First Lady herself, who read the Ninth Lesson from the Gospel of John.

Diplomatic Context of the Visit

The visit occurs amidst heightened diplomatic scrutiny of Nigeria. It follows recent warnings from former U.S. President Donald Trump about potentially deploying American troops over allegations of religious persecution—a threat the Tinubu government has firmly rejected.

Obasanjo had previously contrasted the current administration's international standing with the influence Nigeria wielded during his tenure, stating: "Under my watch, America did not take any major action in Africa without informing Nigeria... They were not seeking permission, but they would inform us."

While the visit to a Christmas service is ceremonial, it is being interpreted as a significant, if subtle, political signal in a period of complex domestic and foreign challenges for the Tinubu administration.


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