The Presidency has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of severely undermining Nigeria’s democracy during his time in office. Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, issued a scathing response to Obasanjo’s recent criticisms of the government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Dare dismissed Obasanjo’s call for the dismissal of INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and other officials as part of electoral reforms, arguing that the former president lacked the moral standing to critique the current administration.
“Former President Obasanjo is a man with a tremendous capacity for mischief, and Nigerians know it,” Dare wrote. “His journey along the path of hallucinations has never been in doubt, nor has his tendency to muddle facts. He forgets that his presidency is remembered as one of the most corrupt in Nigeria’s history.”
Dare criticized Obasanjo’s administration, particularly for the alleged mismanagement of $16 billion meant for power generation, which he described as a failure that left the nation in “megawatts of darkness.” He further accused Obasanjo of damaging the country’s democratic fabric, particularly with his pursuit of a third term in office, which Dare referred to as a “murderous rage for an ill-fated ambition.”
“Democracy suffered mortal wounds under his watch,” Dare stated. “Successive administrations have struggled to clean up the mess Obasanjo left behind, and President Tinubu is now making significant progress in addressing these issues.”
The adviser urged Obasanjo to focus on self-reflection and apologize to Nigerians for failing to lay the foundational infrastructure needed for the country’s development. He added that President Tinubu remains committed to delivering reforms through his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Quoting a Yoruba proverb, Dare remarked, “A o ki n wo ariwo oja, eniti a anba na oja ni a n wo” (One should not pay attention to the noise in the market but focus on the negotiation). He emphasized that Tinubu’s administration is focused on addressing Nigeria’s challenges rather than being distracted by criticisms.
“We are happy to have that conversation with the former president,” Dare concluded. “Obasanjo’s remarks are merely the noise of the market. President Tinubu will stay the course, ensuring that his agenda for a better Nigeria remains on track.”
The presidency reiterated its determination to focus on delivering relief to Nigerians and urged Obasanjo to reassess his contributions to the nation’s state.
