The Presidency has issued a strong rebuttal to former President Olusegun Obasanjo following his critical remarks at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum held at Yale University, United States. In his keynote address, Obasanjo described Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu as a failing state, citing widespread corruption, poor governance, and systemic failures.
Responding to these comments, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga accused Obasanjo of hypocrisy, highlighting numerous alleged missteps during his tenure as both military and civilian leader. Onanuga questioned Obasanjo's moral authority to critique subsequent administrations, pointing to controversies including the failed third-term agenda, poor economic policies, and accusations of corruption.
“Obasanjo’s habitual self-righteousness and tendency to criticise his successors have overshadowed his role as an elder statesman,” Onanuga said. He added that Obasanjo’s administration failed to address issues such as decaying infrastructure, mismanagement of resources, and lack of investment in security, which have contributed to Nigeria’s current challenges.
The Presidency also criticised Obasanjo for using the Chinua Achebe platform, reminding the public of Achebe’s rejection of a national honour during Obasanjo’s administration over concerns about governance and abuse of power.
Onanuga further noted: “While President Tinubu diligently works to address the nation’s economic challenges, it would be more constructive for Obasanjo to reflect on the missed opportunities during his leadership.”
The exchange marks another episode in the long-standing public disagreements between Obasanjo and successive Nigerian leaders, underscoring the enduring debate over Nigeria’s governance trajectory.
