Obasanjo: Many Nigerians Pursue Public Office for Personal Gain and Favoritism

Obasanjo Criticizes Nigerian Leaders for Corruption and Mismanagement

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has accused many Nigerian public officials of using their positions to enrich themselves and their associates, leaving the country in a worse state than they found it.

In his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo highlights how these officials take out massive loans, confident they can repay them using public funds once elected. The book, one of two released to celebrate his 88th birthday last week, examines the character of top government executives at both federal and state levels.

According to Obasanjo, a significant number of those who have held leadership roles—including governors, presidents, ministers, commissioners, and local government chairpersons—were unprepared, self-serving, and corrupt. He accused them of prioritizing personal gain over national development, while the country remains mired in poverty and underdevelopment.

Obasanjo noted that many politicians seeking leadership positions are primarily motivated by self-enrichment. He cited an example of a governor who was deeply in debt before assuming office but managed to clear his financial obligations within two years—despite his businesses not engaging in any profitable activities.

“You can only guess where the money came from,” he remarked. “In his second term, he secured nearly half of the state’s resources for himself. This pattern is widespread across the country, with only a few exceptions. State funds are diverted, and small payouts are given to associates to silence potential whistleblowers both during and after their tenure.”

He also criticized leaders who engage in deception and misrepresentation, particularly regarding contract awards, treaties, loans, and the sale of national assets. “Such executives are unfit for the positions they occupy,” he stated.

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: A Wasteful Project?

Obasanjo condemned the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as wasteful and corrupt. The 700km road, which the Minister of Works, David Umahi, claimed would cost N4.93 billion per kilometer, has faced widespread criticism. The government awarded the contract to Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech Construction Company without competitive bidding—a move that has sparked controversy, with many pointing out Chagoury’s longstanding ties to President Bola Tinubu.

Obasanjo expressed concerns that the current administration continues to exploit Nigerians, stating that governance remains highly transactional. He criticized President Tinubu’s approach, saying, “The slogan now is, ‘It’s my turn to chop.’”

He also condemned the federal government’s decision to spend N21 billion on a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima. Calling it a misplaced priority, he described it as another avenue for embezzling public funds, especially given the country’s economic challenges.

A Call for Afrodemocracy

To address Nigeria’s ongoing challenges, Obasanjo suggested re-examining Western-style liberal democracy, arguing that it has not worked effectively for the country. He proposed adopting a governance model rooted in African history and culture—what he termed “Afrodemocracy.”

“If even Western nations admit their system is flawed, we should be wise enough to assess whether it serves our needs. We must develop a democratic system that reflects African values and realities,” he said.

He emphasized the need for an “African people’s constitution” tailored to the continent’s unique circumstances, avoiding the shortcomings of Western liberal democracy.