‘What Small Minds’, Obasanjo Blasts Tinubu Over N15.6trn Coastal Highway, N21bn VP Residence

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticised the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project being executed by the President Bola Tinubu government, describing it as a wasteful and corrupt initiative.

He also condemned the Tinubu administration for approving N21 billion for a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, questioning the government’s priorities amid economic hardship.

Obasanjo made the remarks in chapter six of his newly released book, ‘Nigeria: Past and Future’, which was unveiled last week to mark his 88th birthday anniversary.

The former president accused the current administration of perpetuating “transactional governance,” where state resources were siphoned off under the guise of leadership.

“State resources are captured and appropriated, with a pittance to staff and associates to silence whistleblowers,” he wrote.

Obasanjo particularly called out Tinubu over the Lagos-Calabar highway project, alleging that the President has ignored public outcry over its execution. He also denounced the decision to build a new vice-president residence at a time when many Nigerians were struggling economically.

“Typical examples of waste, corruption, and misplaced priority are the murky Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road on which the President had turned deaf ears to protests and the new Vice-President’s official residence built at a cost of N21bn in the time of economic hardship to showcase the administration hitting the ground running and to show the importance of the office of the Vice-President. What small minds!” Obasanjo wrote.

Beyond spending on infrastructure, Obasanjo took a broader swipe at Nigeria’s leadership, accusing many in power—ranging from presidents to local government area chairmen—of being ill-prepared and self-serving.

“Many clamouring to lead are only interested in using their offices to enrich themselves and their cronies, leaving the country worse off,” he further wrote.

In the book, the former president also reiterated his long-held belief that Western liberal democracy may not be the best fit for Africa, advocating instead for a governance model rooted in the continent’s unique socio-political realities.

“We should seek democracy within African history, culture, attributes, and characteristics—one that will take necessary African factors into consideration. Until we can get a better word or description for it, let us call it Afrodemocracy,” he proposed.

Obasanjo’s remarks have sparked fresh debates on governance, accountability, and the need for a political system that better reflects Africa’s realities. However, the Tinubu administration was yet to respond to his criticisms as of the time of filing this report.