Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has sharply criticized the character and conduct of Nigeria’s current leaders, suggesting that many of those in public office should be imprisoned.
He made these remarks on Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while hosting six members of the House of Representatives who are co-sponsors of a bill advocating for a single six-year term for the president and governors, as well as power rotation between the northern and southern regions of the country.
The delegation, led by former chairman of the House Committee on Downstream Petroleum, Ugo Chinyere, visited Obasanjo at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.
Obasanjo expressed deep concern over the moral integrity of those in power, stating, “With all due respect, most of those in government should right now be behind bars or in gallows.”
He argued that the character of people in government is a fundamental issue that needs urgent attention, beyond structural changes to Nigeria’s democratic system.
Addressing the ongoing debate about term limits for public officials, Obasanjo downplayed the importance of whether a single six-year term or two four-year terms are adopted.
He emphasized that unless there is a change in the mindset and moral compass of those in power, the length of the term would not make a difference.
“The issue for me is if we get it right whether we have a single term of six years or two terms of four years. We must decarbonize our brains and mentality,” Obasanjo stated.
He warned that leaders could still engage in harmful practices regardless of the term structure, adding that Nigeria’s real problem lies in the conduct and mentality of its leaders.
Obasanjo also lamented that subsequent governments have failed to build on the foundation he laid during his presidency, further compounding the challenges facing the nation.
The former president’s remarks underscore his long-standing concern with the quality of leadership in Nigeria and his belief that true change must start with a transformation in the character and behavior of those who hold public office.