Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s current administration under President Bola Tinubu, describing the country as sinking into chaos, insecurity, and corruption.
Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, Obasanjo said Nigeria is now a “failing state,” with widespread governance failures and leadership inadequacies contributing to the nation’s decline.
Obasanjo, in his keynote address titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” accused Tinubu’s government of exacerbating the nation’s woes through mismanagement and corruption.
He referred to the president as “Baba-go-slow” and “Emilokan,” reflecting frustration with the pace and style of his administration.
Chief Obasanjo highlighted issues such as worsening insecurity, economic instability, and increasing division, the former president warned that corruption and state capture—where powerful groups manipulate public resources for personal gain are at the heart of Nigeria’s challenges.
He also lamented the growing disconnect between the government and the people.
Quoting Chinua Achebe’s famous assertion that Nigeria’s problem is rooted in a failure of leadership, Obasanjo called for urgent reforms.
He emphasized the need for accountable governance and leadership focused on public welfare, noting that without these, the nation risks further deterioration.
Obasanjo’s remarks have sparked debate, with supporters viewing them as a timely warning, while critics argue they reflect political rivalry.
The Tinubu administration has yet to officially respond to the comments.
The former president concluded with a message of hope, urging Nigerians to demand better governance and remain resilient in their quest for national development.
This critique has added to the ongoing discourse on Nigeria’s governance challenges and the way forward for Africa’s most populous nation.
