Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has again expressed concern over the state of governance and development in the country, stating that despite the passage of time and several leadership transitions, “We haven’t gotten there in Nigeria.”
Speaking at a public forum held, Obasanjo reflected on Nigeria's political and socio-economic trajectory since the return to democratic rule in 1999. He emphasized the continued gap between the country’s potential and its current state, attributing it largely to what he described as “eight years of misrule” by recent administrations.
“There’s no doubt that Nigeria has the human and natural resources to thrive,” Obasanjo said. “But the failure of leadership, weak institutions, and lack of accountability have continued to stall our progress. After eight years of misrule, the damage is deep, and the road to recovery will not be short or easy.”
Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 1999 to 2007, has remained a vocal figure in national discourse. His latest remarks have sparked renewed debate over the direction of governance in Africa’s most populous nation.
While he did not mention any administration by name, political analysts interpret his comments as a critique of the immediate past government, widely criticized for economic decline, growing insecurity, and weak public institutions.
Obasanjo called on current and future leaders to rise above partisan interests and embrace genuine reform. “We need visionary, disciplined, and courageous leadership. Only then can we begin to repair the broken trust between government and the people,” he said.