Obasanjo Labels Buhari’s Civil Administration as Worst in Nigeria’s History, Criticizes Tinubu

Obasanjo has labelled Buhari’s civil administration as worst in Nigeria’s history and criticized Tinubu.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the regime of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as the worst civil administration in Nigeria’s history. Buhari, who died on July 13, 2025, in London and was buried in Daura, Katsina, served as military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and as civilian president from 2015 to 2023.

In his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo compared Buhari’s earlier criticisms of the Second Republic with his later presidency, arguing that the problems Buhari highlighted as military head of state corruption, economic mismanagement, and political malpractice were largely ignored during his civilian rule.

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Obasanjo wrote: “Good points and good words raised by Buhari when he overthrew Shagari were left undone during his civil administration from 2015 to 2023. Words are cheap; actions are what matter.”

The former president also critiqued President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that it “seems to be competing with Buhari’s in the area of inefficiency.” Efforts to get reactions from the Presidency were unsuccessful.

Obasanjo further reflected on his long public service, asserting that his writings aim to make Nigeria better and document lessons for future leaders. “I am in a hurry to see Nigeria achieve its potential,” he said, noting that his experiences as military head of state and civilian president have given him a full perspective on the nation’s challenges and achievements.

He recalled the early days of military governance, saying that although actors were young and sometimes naïve, they were patriotic and committed to nation-building, prioritizing infrastructure, education, and Nigeria’s international profile.

Meanwhile, Buhari’s former spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, said Obasanjo’s dislike for the late president partly stemmed from disagreements over projects such as the Mambilla Power Project, where Obasanjo reportedly pressed for a preferred contractor.