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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has been ranked as the third most corrupt leader globally, according to a report by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). This ranking follows the OCCRP’s call for global nominations to identify figures involved in advancing corruption and exacerbating poverty.
The OCCRP, a network of investigative journalists and activists, announced that Kenyan President William Ruto received the highest number of votes for corruption. Tinubu was placed third, following former Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Despite the public vote, the primary “Person of the Year” title was awarded to ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, who is currently in exile in Russia.
“The judges recognize the significance of public interest and outrage at corruption,” OCCRP organizers stated in the report.
According to People’s Gazette, President Tinubu, 72, was highlighted for allegedly fostering a regime of corruption in Nigeria. His tenure as Lagos State Governor from 1999 to 2003 reportedly saw significant wealth accumulation for himself and his family.
Since assuming Nigeria’s presidency in May 2023, Tinubu has faced scrutiny over awarding the multitrillion-naira Abuja-Calabar road project to a company linked to his son. The deal has raised concerns over potential nepotism and ongoing corruption under his administration.
Additionally, allegations of Tinubu’s past involvement in cocaine trafficking in Chicago were cited during the OCCRP nomination process, alongside controversies surrounding certificate forgery after his inauguration.
Tinubu has consistently denied all allegations of corruption leveled against him.