Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a harsh critique of Nigeria’s current state under President Bola Tinubu, describing the country as a “failing state” plagued by corruption and leadership failures.
Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States, Obasanjo outlined his concerns about Nigeria’s trajectory in a lecture titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria.”
His remarks were detailed in a statement by his Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi.
Obasanjo referred to President Tinubu as “Baba-go-slow” and “Emilokan,” a phrase popularized during Tinubu’s election campaign, to underscore what he called the president’s lackluster leadership. He argued that Nigeria’s dire state is evident to “every honest person.”
“The more the immorality and corruption of a nation, the more the nation sinks into chaos, insecurity, conflict, and disunity,” Obasanjo stated. “The failing state status of Nigeria is confirmed and glaringly indicated for all to see.”
Obasanjo attributed the nation’s insecurity, division, and underdevelopment to widespread corruption, mediocrity, and a lack of accountability.
Drawing from Chinua Achebe’s 1983 treatise, “The Trouble with Nigeria,” he emphasized that the country’s problems stem from leadership failure, not cultural or environmental factors.
He accused political elites of engaging in state capture, where powerful groups manipulate policies and resources for personal gain. Obasanjo said, “State capture is one of the most pervasive forms of corruption. What is happening in Nigeria – right before our eyes – is state capture, where public institutions are subject to undue influence from vested interests.”
Highlighting examples, Obasanjo pointed to the sale of national assets at undervalued prices and the influence of private interests on Nigeria’s economic and political landscape. He criticized the intertwining of business and political elites through family ties, lobbying, and vote-buying, which he argued prioritizes private gain over public welfare.
He warned that these practices could have long-term consequences on sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development, further entrenching inequality and underperformance.
Despite his criticisms, Obasanjo expressed hope, stating that Nigeria’s challenges could be overcome with leadership that prioritizes accountability and meaningful reforms.
The former president also used the occasion to honor the late Chinua Achebe, praising the literary giant for his enduring contributions to Nigerian society and describing him as “a great and distinguished Nigerian.”
Obasanjo’s remarks have sparked widespread debate about Nigeria’s current trajectory and the role of leadership in addressing the nation’s deep-seated challenges.
