Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has slammed the Late Muhammadu Buhari, declaring his 2015–2023 civilian administration as the worst Nigeria has ever experienced.
In his new book, titled: ‘Nigeria: Past and Future’, Obasanjo accused Buhari of abandoning the very principles he cited as justification for overthrowing Shehu Shagari’s government in the December 31, 1983 coup.
Buhari, who died in London on July 13, 2025, and was buried in his hometown of Daura two days later, had twice ruled Nigeria first as a military head of state and later as a democratically-elected president.
Obasanjo recalled that Buhari, in his 1983 coup broadcast, condemned corruption, insecurity, and reckless governance, pledging a disciplined leadership for the country. But, Obasanjo argued, Buhari did the opposite when Nigerians gave him the chance to rule again as a civilian.
“Fine words and promises are easy to make; but Buhari’s government from 2015 to 2023 abandoned everything he once preached. It stands out as the worst civilian rule in Nigeria’s history. Perhaps those powerful words in 1983 were not his at all maybe he only read what was written for him”, Obasanjo wrote.
The former president also warned that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is “not far from Buhari’s record,” raising fresh debate about Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
