Presidency Claims Obasanjo’s Regime Left Democracy with Deep Setbacks

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, has criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for leaving Nigeria’s democracy severely damaged during his tenure. In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, Dare asserted that successive Nigerian governments have struggled to repair the harm done by Obasanjo’s administration, but noted that President Tinubu is making notable strides in addressing these issues.

Dare contended that Obasanjo no longer holds the moral authority to criticize the current government, urging him to apologize to Nigerians for failing to create the necessary foundation for the country’s development. He remarked, “Democracy suffered mortal wounds under his watch, worsened by his destructive obsession with the failed third-term bid.”

He accused Obasanjo of being highly capable of mischief, highlighting how the former president’s claims, particularly on fighting corruption, fail to resonate with Nigerians. “His comments at Yale University lack sincerity,” Dare said, labeling them as “laughable.”

Further criticizing Obasanjo’s tenure, Dare pointed to the unresolved mystery of $16bn allegedly wasted on power generation projects that failed to improve the country’s electricity supply. He pointed to the Yoruba proverb, “A o ki n wo ariwo oja, eniti a anba na oja ni a n wo” (Don’t focus on the noise of the market, focus on the person you’re negotiating with), urging Nigerians to prioritize President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda over Obasanjo’s distractions.

Dare emphasized that President Tinubu is focused on delivering reforms for Nigeria’s betterment, despite Obasanjo’s criticisms. He also encouraged the former president to reflect on his own contributions to Nigeria’s challenges before continually criticizing his successors.

In closing, Dare acknowledged Obasanjo’s recent recognition that “there is hope,” suggesting that this aligns with Tinubu’s vision for a renewed and hopeful Nigeria. He expressed optimism about future discussions with the former president, reinforcing the current administration’s resolve to stay on track with its reforms.