Former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has warned of the increasing discontent among the Nigerian youth, blaming it on years of poor leadership, widespread corruption, and what he described as maladministration. In his recently published book, titled “Nigeria: Past and Future,” Obasanjo expressed deep concern over the country’s current direction. He stated that the nation runs the risk of facing a revolution led by frustrated, hungry, and angry young Nigerians who feel neglected and betrayed unless authorities act quickly and effectively to address inequality, improve government, and invest in the next generation.
He underlined that despite the country’s abundance of talented and industrious young people, the chronic mismanagement of the commonwealth, rising unemployment, deepening poverty, and ongoing exclusion from real governance are all contributing to the growing dissatisfaction of this demographic. The former president claims that “leadership ineptitude” has demoralized these young people and that dire consequences may ensue unless immediate action is taken. Obasanjo cautioned that many African leaders, including those in Nigeria, had chosen to rule via “barefaced stealing and lies” instead of showing concern for the suffering of their people.
Warnings against youth frustration and elite excess.
According to the former president, a more assertive and less tolerant generation is rising across the African continent—one that no longer accepts the persisting abuse of power and is increasingly demanding the benefits of good governance. Nigeria, he warned, is “sitting on a ticking time bomb,” emphasizing that the threat is not only in the country’s faulty system of governance but also in the way it is being practiced, which is characterized by corruption, exclusion, impunity, callousness, and a total disregard for principles like honesty, responsibility, compassion, and the fear of God.
In his words, he voiced concern that today’s youth are being pushed to the brink as they look on helplessly while their leaders continue to lie to the public and live in obscene luxury rather than investing in industries like small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that would generate wealth and jobs. He claimed that if the government did not address these complaints, there might be a national uprising with unpredicted consequences. While he clarified that he opposes violent insurrection, he cautioned that if the nation continues on its current course, such a result might be unavoidable.
Nigerian leaders urged to abandon deceit, embrace integrity.
Furthermore, Obasanjo called on Nigerian leaders to abandon deceit, dishonesty, delusions, and scapegoating, and instead embrace inclusive and sincere administration. He emphasized that Nigeria’s leadership dilemma is not unique and cautioned that if left unchecked, the same pattern of poor governance is spreading across Africa and might turn into a devastating epidemic. The former president also bemoaned the decline of established institutions, pointing out the ascent of criminals and unfit leaders. He advocated for moral rearmament to restore the dignity that was once connected to traditional leadership, citing the example of a traditional king who snatched a ballot box.
This recently released book is a damning indictment of Nigeria’s institutional and political shortcomings and serves as a potent warning of a looming crisis unless urgent, sincere reforms are undertaken. Obasanjo’s cautions are consistent with the harsh reality that many Nigerians, especially the younger generation, have been living with for years. The book draws from former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s decades at the center of Nigeria’s political evolution and spares no one—past or present—from blame. Obasanjo’s reflections are prescriptive rather than just retrospective.
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Throughout the book, Obasanjo makes the case for a new political culture—one rooted in accountability, civic engagement, and a shared national vision. He also singles out the judiciary, legislature, and electoral commission for enabling the Erosion of public confidence, noting that when institutions fail to act independently and uphold the rule of law, democracy becomes a shadow of itself. He calls for a generational shift in leadership, urging the youth to rise above apathy and actively reclaim their place in shaping the country’s future. His tone is urgent, his message unflinching: Nigeria is approaching a dangerous tipping point, and only bold, ethical, and inclusive reforms can prevent national decline.