The presidency has launched a scathing attack on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing him of undermining Nigeria’s democracy during his tenure.
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and Orientation, made the remarks in a statement on Monday.
Dare claimed that Obasanjo’s presidency was marred by corruption, wasting $16 billion on power projects that yielded “megawatts of darkness” ¹. He also criticized Obasanjo’s third-term bid, saying it inflicted mortal wounds on Nigeria’s democracy.
“He is a man with a tremendous capacity for mischief, and Nigerians know it,” Dare said. “His journey down the path of delusion has always been apparent, as has his descent into distorting facts, forgetting that he presided over a presidency that was among the most corrupt in history.”
Dare argued that Obasanjo has lost the moral authority to criticize the current government, given his own questionable legacy. “It is laughable that Obasanjo’s pretensions about fighting corruption are failing to convince the general public,” he added.
In contrast, Dare praised President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, saying it is bringing relief to Nigerians. He advised Obasanjo to reflect on his own contributions to Nigeria’s problems, rather than constantly criticizing his successors.
“We thank former President Obasanjo for acknowledging that ‘Yes, there is hope.’ That’s the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda that President Tinubu is advancing, and it’s well on track,” Dare concluded.
This development comes after Obasanjo’s recent comments at Yale University, where he criticized Nigeria’s leadership and electoral integrity. The presidency’s response highlights the ongoing tensions between Obasanjo and the current administration.
