Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said he is in a hurry to witness Nigeria rise to greatness, admitting that he is “getting close” to his life’s departure lounge.
Obasanjo spoke while reflecting on his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, in which he assessed the country’s leadership journey and criticised successive governments.
The former military Head of State (1976–1979) and civilian President (1999–2007) said his interventions over the years through books, letters, and public statements were motivated by patriotism and not malice.
“All my writings have been aimed at making Nigeria better because I strongly believe in documentation and in the possibility of a better Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that works such as My Command, Nzeogwu, Not My Will, My Watch (a three-volume autobiography), and several letters to leaders during crises, were intended to guide, not condemn.
“Some have accused me of being guilty of the same failings I criticised. But I rely on my conscience and my records and have no need to defend myself,” Obasanjo stated.
The former president described Muhammadu Buhari’s administration (2015–2023) as “the worst civil administration so far in Nigeria’s history,” accusing it of failing to confront corruption, mismanagement, and electoral malpractice the same ills Buhari had cited to justify the 1983 coup against President Shehu Shagari. “Words are cheap, and what needed to be done was left undone,” he wrote.
Turning to the present, Obasanjo said the Bola Tinubu administration was “competing with Buhari’s in inefficiency.”
He, however, maintained that his legacy would speak for him, citing his sacrifices in war, peacekeeping, imprisonment, and national service.
“I have seen the best and the worst of Nigeria. Yes, mistakes were made, but great things were also done. My life has been a crucible of rural struggles, military service, humiliation and triumphs, all of which have taught me lasting lessons,” he said.
“I want to see Nigeria succeed soon. I may be close to my departure, but my desire is to witness the nation attain the greatness it deserves,” the elder statesman added.
