Nigeria Losing Global Influence due to Poor Leadership — Obasanjo
Last update: April 27, 2026
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Govt that cannot protect lives has lost right to exist, Obasanjo says...
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said any government that cannot protect the lives and property of its citizens has no reason to remain in power.
CBI News reports that Obasanjo blamed Nigeria’s current challenges on poor leadership, arguing that the country has gradually lost its influence in global affairs and key regional discussions.
He spoke during an interview on News Central’s Soni Irabor Live over the weekend.
The former president said the primary responsibility of any administration is to ensure the safety of citizens.
“And the first responsibility of any government, no matter how that government comes into being, is the security of life and property. A government that cannot give security of life and property to its citizens has forfeited the right of existence,” he said.
Obasanjo lamented that Nigerians now live with fear, noting that kidnapping and violent crime have become increasingly common.
He said Nigeria’s declining influence outside its borders reflects a deeper leadership crisis.
According to him, the country’s security challenges worsened after the civil war due to poor arms control and years of ineffective governance.
He also criticised the handling of regional affairs within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), saying Nigeria’s role in West Africa has weakened.
Obasanjo linked the worsening insecurity to both local and foreign developments.
He cited the return of armed fighters after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya and the use of armed groups for political purposes within Nigeria.
He warned that the growing number of out-of-school children could worsen the situation if left unaddressed.
The former president also faulted President Bola Tinubu over the government’s response to the political crisis in Niger.
He said Nigeria’s actions, including border closures, electricity cuts, and financial restrictions, had damaged long-standing ties between both countries.
Obasanjo expressed concern about the country’s future, saying he sees no clear progress under the current leadership.
He added that weakening democratic institutions and flawed elections have reduced accountability in governance.
