Obasanjo Criticizes Nigeria’s Leadership, Calls Nation a “Failing State” Under Tinubu

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticized Nigeria’s current leadership, labeling the country a “failing state” under President Bola Tinubu. Speaking at an event in New Haven, Connecticut, on Saturday, November 16, Obasanjo pointed to widespread corruption, insecurity, and governance failures as the key factors driving Nigeria into crisis.

According to Obasanjo, the country’s deteriorating situation can be traced to the “immorality and corruption” within the government, which he argues is pushing Nigeria deeper into chaos, insecurity, and underdevelopment. “The more corruption and immorality there is in a nation, the more it sinks into chaos, conflict, division, and violence,” he said. “This is the situation in Nigeria under Baba-go-slow and Emilokan,” he added, referencing President Tinubu with the latter term, which has become associated with the President’s leadership style.

Obasanjo further decried what he sees as the “failing state” status of Nigeria, saying it was visible for all to see. He attributed the country’s downward spiral to pervasive corruption, incompetence, mismanagement, and social injustice. “The consequences of this corruption and misconduct are evident for every honest person to see,” Obasanjo said. However, he added a note of cautious optimism, stating, “But yes, there is hope.”

At the core of Obasanjo’s critique is what he described as the “unwillingness or inability” of Nigeria’s leaders to meet the challenge of true leadership, which, he argued, is characterized by integrity, accountability, and a commitment to the nation’s welfare.

He also highlighted what he called “state capture” in Nigeria—an issue he believes is central to the country’s political and economic crises. “Powerful individuals, institutions, and companies are using corruption to shape Nigeria’s policies and legal environment for their own benefit,” Obasanjo stated. He pointed to the alarming trend of political elites, including their families, purchasing national assets at bargain prices and allocating national resources—such as land, minerals, and human capital—to both local and international actors for personal gain.

Obasanjo called for both local and international legal measures to prevent and prohibit state capture, warning that without significant reforms, Nigeria’s governance crisis would only deepen.

His remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with worsening insecurity, economic instability, and political polarization, with many citizens and critics expressing concern over the state of the nation under the current administration.