Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stating that Nigeria is descending into a “failing state.”
Obasanjo made the remarks during his keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum held at Yale University, Connecticut, USA, on Friday.
“The failing state status of Nigeria is confirmed and glaringly indicated for all to see,” Obasanjo said. He attributed the country’s challenges to widespread immorality, corruption, and poor governance.
“The more the immorality and corruption of a nation, the more the nation sinks into chaos, insecurity, conflict, discord, division, disunity, depression, youth restiveness, confusion, violence, and underdevelopment,” he added.
Obasanjo specifically referred to the current administration as a continuation of “Baba-go-slow” policies and criticized the “Emilokan” mindset, implying a sense of entitlement in leadership.
The former president also warned against “state capture,” describing it as one of the most dangerous forms of corruption. He noted that undue influence by vested interests over public institutions is exacerbating Nigeria’s problems.
“What is happening in Nigeria—right before our eyes—is state capture, where public institutions are subject to undue influence from vested interests,” he said.
Obasanjo highlighted pressing issues such as insecurity and food scarcity, warning that the nation risks greater instability if these problems are not addressed.
He condemned politicians who exploit vulnerable citizens by distributing food items branded with their images, arguing that such practices undermine long-term solutions.
“The political calculation here is that destitute people are more likely to vote for a politician who brings along gifts—ironically bought by looted treasury funds—than one who provides concrete solutions to their everyday problems,” Obasanjo lamented.
He called on Nigeria’s leadership to prioritize the welfare of citizens over foreign interests and take decisive action to steer the country away from its current trajectory.
