Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a stark warning about Nigeria’s trajectory, characterizing the nation as a “failing state” in a pointed critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration during a prestigious academic forum at Yale University. The former leader’s assessment, delivered at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum in New Haven, Connecticut, paints a troubling picture of Nigeria’s current political and social landscape.
Speaking under the theme “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” Obasanjo’s address represented one of his most direct challenges to the current administration since Tinubu assumed office. The former president, known for his forthright commentary on national issues, employed pointed language, referring to Tinubu as “Baba-go-slow” and “Emilokan” – the latter being a campaign slogan that helped define Tinubu’s path to the presidency.
In his comprehensive critique, Obasanjo drew parallels between Nigeria’s current situation and the observations made by literary icon Chinua Achebe in his 1983 political treatise “The Trouble with Nigeria.” The former president emphasized that Nigeria’s challenges stem primarily from leadership deficiencies rather than cultural or environmental factors, echoing Achebe’s seminal analysis from four decades ago.
Of particular concern in Obasanjo’s address was the phenomenon of state capture, which he described as a sophisticated form of corruption where powerful interests manipulate state institutions and policies for private gain. He pointed to specific examples, including the undervalued sale of national assets and the outsized influence of special interest groups in shaping national policy.
The former president’s analysis was particularly pointed regarding the relationship between corruption and national stability. The more the immorality and corruption of a nation, the more the nation sinks into chaos, insecurity, conflict, and disunity,” he stated, suggesting that current conditions make Nigeria’s failing state status “glaringly indicated for all to see.
Obasanjo’s criticism extended beyond simple governance issues to encompass what he views as structural problems in how power and influence operate in contemporary Nigeria. He highlighted the concerning intersection of business and political interests through family connections, lobbying efforts, and electoral manipulation, arguing that these dynamics consistently prioritize private interests over public welfare.
The former president’s address paid particular attention to how these systemic issues affect crucial sectors of national development. He outlined how the current state of affairs has led to deteriorating conditions in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, suggesting that these failures represent concrete evidence of leadership shortcomings rather than abstract policy challenges.
The timing and venue of Obasanjo’s critique add significant weight to his message. Delivering these remarks at Yale University, within the framework of a forum named after one of Africa’s most respected intellectual figures, provides his assessment with both academic gravity and international visibility. The choice to voice these concerns in such a setting suggests a deliberate effort to elevate the discussion beyond domestic political discourse to a broader global conversation about governance and development.
Despite the severity of his critique, Obasanjo’s address wasn’t entirely devoid of hope. He maintained that Nigeria’s challenges, while significant, remain surmountable. However, he emphasized that overcoming these obstacles would require a fundamental shift in leadership approach, particularly regarding accountability and reform implementation.
The former president’s comments come at a crucial time for Nigeria, as the country grapples with multiple challenges including security concerns, economic pressures, and social divisions. His analysis suggests that addressing these issues requires more than policy adjustments – it demands a comprehensive reassessment of leadership approaches and governance structures.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex political and economic landscape, Obasanjo’s intervention from Yale serves as both a warning and a call to action. His message underscores the urgent need for reform while highlighting the potential consequences of maintaining current trajectories in governance and leadership.
