By Sani Suleiman Alhassan
In the labyrinthine corridors of Nigeria's political history, few figures elicit as much controversy as former President Olusegun Obasanjo. His tenure, which spanned from 1999 to 2007 during the Fourth Republic, remains a focal point of debate, characterized by both significant achievements and glaring failures. Recently, Obasanjo has emerged as a vocal critic of the current electoral commission, labeling the 2023 general election a “travesty.” This essay endeavors to explore the implications of his statements, the inconsistencies within his own leadership legacy, and the pressing need for a reformed electoral process in Nigeria.
To understand the weight of Obasanjo's criticisms, one must first grapple with the contradictions of his own political legacy. As a former military ruler who transitioned to a civilian presidency, Obasanjo's journey is emblematic of Nigeria's tumultuous political evolution. He is often credited with laying the groundwork for democratic governance and economic reforms. Yet, his administration was not without its faults. Many critics argue that he institutionalized corruption, a claim that resonates particularly in light of the rampant electoral malfeasance that continues to plague Nigeria.
During Obasanjo's presidency, allegations of electoral fraud were rampant. Results were often announced even as voters queued at polling stations, a practice that undermined the very foundation of democratic engagement. This inconsistency raises an important question: Can a leader who oversaw such irregularities justifiably critique the integrity of subsequent elections? Obasanjo's recent denunciation of the 2023 general election as a “travesty” seems to echo the very practices he once allowed to fester during his own leadership.
One of the most controversial chapters of Obasanjo's presidency was his unsuccessful bid for a third term in office. This endeavor not only exposed the depths of his ambition but also highlighted the lengths to which he would go to maintain power. The attempt to amend the constitution, which would have allowed him to extend his presidency, was met with widespread opposition and ultimately failed. Critics argue that this pursuit of power, coupled with the notorious “Ghana-must-go” bags of cash allegedly used to bribe members of the National Assembly, reflects a troubling willingness to compromise democratic principles for personal gain.
The implications of this episode extend beyond Obasanjo's personal ambition; they underscore a broader culture of political impunity that has plagued Nigeria. By attempting to manipulate the political system for his benefit, Obasanjo inadvertently set a precedent that subsequent leaders have followed, perpetuating a cycle of corruption and electoral malpractice. Thus, his current critiques of the electoral commission resonate with a certain irony, as he himself played a role in shaping the very environment he now condemns.
Obasanjo's denunciation of the 2023 general election must be viewed through the lens of his own leadership record. The election, marred by allegations of violence, voter suppression, and logistical failures, reflects a broader systemic issue that has roots in the governance practices of previous administrations, including his own. The former president's claims that the electoral commission failed to uphold its mandate resonate with many Nigerians who have grown disillusioned with the political process. However, his moral authority to speak on these matters is undermined by his own past.
Furthermore, the involvement of retired military leaders in the alleged unconstitutional suspension of collation during the 2023 elections raises questions about the integrity of the process. Obasanjo, a figure with deep ties to Nigeria's military history, must confront the implications of such actions. The intertwining of military influence and civilian governance remains a contentious issue in Nigeria, one that Obasanjo has both benefited from and contributed to throughout his career.
Obasanjo's troubling pattern of forgetting the past is a concerning aspect of his character that has been evident throughout his time in politics. One significant example of this behavior is his actions prior to General Sani Abacha's death in 1998. During this period, Obasanjo found himself imprisoned in the Gulag, facing the prospect of imminent execution. This experience should have left a lasting impact on him, serving as a reminder of the need for accountability and for standing up against oppressive regimes. However, it seems that Obasanjo has chosen to overlook this dark chapter in his life, as evidenced by his subsequent actions.
Furthermore, Obasanjo's behavior around the formation of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) raises further questions about his commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. Instead of using his platform and influence to advocate for transparency and accountability within the party, Obasanjo accepted the 1999 President Ticket pro bono, effectively positioning himself at the helm of a party that was marred by corruption and other malpractices. This decision speaks volumes about Obasanjo's priorities and his willingness to compromise his values in pursuit of power and influence.
Once in office, Obasanjo's presidency was marked by a series of controversies and scandals that tarnished his legacy and eroded public trust in the government. From the mismanagement of key sectors such as healthcare and education to the human rights abuses committed under his watch, Obasanjo's tenure was marred by a lack of accountability and a disregard for the well-being of ordinary Nigerians. Despite his shortcomings, Obasanjo attempted to extend his time in office through unconstitutional means, by pushing for a Third Term agenda that would have undermined the democratic process and the constitution.
In light of these troubling developments, it is disheartening to see that Obasanjo continues to display a lack of remorse or reflection on his actions. Like the proverbial Donkey, he seems oblivious to the consequences of his decisions and the impact they have had on the country and its people. This inability to acknowledge his mistakes and learn from them speaks to a deeper character flaw that is not just unfortunate but dangerous for Nigeria's future.
Obasanjo's habit of forgetting the past and repeating the same mistakes is a cause for concern for all Nigerians. His disregard for democratic norms, his willingness to put personal gain above the greater good, and his reluctance to take responsibility for his actions all point to a leader who is out of touch with reality. If Nigeria is to move forward and address the challenges it faces, it is crucial that leaders like Obasanjo learn from their past mistakes and demonstrate a genuine commitment to accountability and transparency. Anything less would be a disservice to the Nigerian people and a betrayal of the ideals of democracy.
In conclusion, Olusegun Obasanjo's legacy is a complex tapestry woven with threads of glaring failure. His recent criticisms of the 2023 general election are clouded by the inconsistencies of his own leadership. As the nation grapples with the pressing need for electoral reform, it is essential for political leaders to engage in genuine self-reflection and accountability.
The path toward a more transparent and democratic electoral process in Nigeria requires not only the dismantling of corrupt practices but also a commitment to ethical leadership. While Obasanjo's voice may serve as a catalyst for discussion, it is imperative that he, along with other leaders, acknowledges their roles in the current state of affairs. Only then can Nigeria hope to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of its political history and emerge with a renewed commitment to democracy and governance.
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