Obasanjo Faces Backlash From Prominent Nigerians Over Fresh Criticism Of Tinubu, Buhari

Obasanjo Faces Backlash From Prominent Nigerians Over Fresh Criticism Of Tinubu, Buhari

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has come under heavy criticism following his latest remarks accusing the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari of corruption…….READ MORE

In his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo alleged that Buhari’s government witnessed “unprecedented corruption,” describing it as a period of massive waste. He further claimed that Tinubu’s administration appears to be heading in the same direction, potentially surpassing Buhari’s record in poor governance and financial mismanagement.

However, several prominent Nigerians have dismissed Obasanjo’s claims, arguing that his own tenure was marred by corruption, making him unqualified to criticize others.

‘Obasanjo Lacks Moral Grounds to Accuse Anyone’ – Girei

Senator Abubakar Girei, a former lawmaker from Adamawa State, stated that Obasanjo lacks the credibility to brand any government as corrupt, given the allegations of fraud during his presidency. He recalled how Obasanjo allegedly manipulated the Senate to install Evans Enwerem as Senate President, a decision lawmakers later overturned.

Girei also challenged Obasanjo to account for the ₦16 billion allegedly mismanaged in a failed power sector project under his administration. While acknowledging that some individuals in Buhari’s government may not have been upright, he maintained that Buhari himself remains a man of integrity.

‘Back Your Claims With Evidence’ – Anthony Sani

Anthony Sani, former Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), criticized Obasanjo for making accusations without providing evidence. He urged the former president to substantiate his claims with data, rather than making blanket statements.

Sani also addressed concerns over the ₦15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, stating that while Nigerians are worried about the cost due to competing national needs, Obasanjo should present clear reasons why he believes it is wasteful.

‘Remember the Halliburton Scandal’ – Odili

Dr. Ifeanyi Odili, President of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), reminded Obasanjo that the infamous Halliburton bribery scandal—one of Nigeria’s biggest corruption cases—occurred under his leadership. He questioned Obasanjo’s moral authority to call Buhari’s administration the most corrupt, insisting that the former president’s tenure was riddled with its own controversies.

Odili further criticized Obasanjo for his continued political interventions, urging him to retire from active politics instead of trying to control national affairs.

‘Obasanjo Conducted Nigeria’s Worst Election’ – Adebayo

Hon. Adewale Adebayo, Osun State Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), accused Obasanjo of overseeing the worst election in Nigeria’s history, claiming that his government was deeply involved in corruption and political persecution.

He also defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, calling it a transformational initiative that will enhance regional connectivity. Adebayo advised Obasanjo to reflect on his legacy and seek divine forgiveness instead of constantly criticizing successive administrations.

‘Buhari’s Administration Had Corruption Issues’ – Ruwagodia

Dr. Bashir Ruwagodia, a Katsina-based civil rights activist, acknowledged that while Buhari himself was perceived as incorruptible, his administration failed to effectively combat corruption.

Similarly, former Minister of Communication, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu, noted that some corrupt officials operated within Buhari’s government. He specifically mentioned former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, who is currently facing trial, as well as ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, whom he accused of securing approvals for questionable policies.

Shittu argued that while Buhari had strong anti-corruption intentions, his failure to closely monitor his ministers allowed corruption to persist. He urged the Tinubu administration to learn from Buhari’s shortcomings and implement stricter anti-corruption measures.