Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said many current and past leaders should be behind bars rather than in public office.
Obasanjo’s remarks came during a meeting with six members of the House of Representatives who were visiting him in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The legislators, led by Ugochinyere Ikenga from Imo State, were discussing bills related to political reforms, including a proposal for a single six-year term for the presidency, rotation of the presidency between the North and South, and rotation of governorship positions among the three senatorial districts within each state.
Obasanjo, who ruled Nigeria twice, first as a military head of state and then as a civilian president, expressed his frustration with the current state of Nigerian politics.
After a long break from public discourse, Obasanjo has intervened strongly in public matters in recent times.
He stated that while reforms such as changing the term length of office holders might seem beneficial, they are not enough if the character of the leaders remains unchanged.
“The real issue is not just about the system or the length of terms,” Obasanjo said. “It’s about the character of those in government. Many of them should be behind bars or even on the gallows. That’s the harsh truth.”
Obasanjo believes that merely altering the structure of Nigerian politics—whether through a single term of six years or other changes—will not address the deeper problems facing the nation.
He argues that the core issue lies with the individuals in power and their mentality.
“The main problem is ourselves,” Obasanjo explained. “Even if we change the term to six years, if the same kind of people with the same mentality are in charge, nothing will change. It is crucial that we rethink how we select our leaders and what qualities we should look for in them.”
Obasanjo’s remarks are part of a broader criticism of the Nigerian political system and the leaders it produces.
He has consistently argued that leadership in Nigeria must be grounded in strong moral and ethical standards.
According to him, without significant improvements in the character of those who hold public office, Nigeria will continue to struggle with ineffective governance.
The former President also reflected on his own time in office, suggesting that succeeding administrations have failed to build on the achievements of his tenure.
He stressed that the issue is not just with the political system but also with the individuals within it.
Obasanjo’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with various political and economic challenges.
Many citizens are frustrated with the current state of affairs and are calling for substantial reforms in governance. Obasanjo’s call for better character in leadership resonates with a growing desire for a change in how Nigeria’s leaders are chosen and held accountable.
