SPOTTED: John Mahama’s inauguration ‘unites’ Tinubu, Obasanjo in Accra

President Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo met in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on Tuesday.

The two leaders shook hands and exchanged pleasantries at the inauguration of John Mahama as the president of Ghana.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu said African countries will not allow outsiders to disrupt the unity in the continent.

Tinubu stressed the importance of dialogue among African nations to resolve disagreements and underscored the continent’s determination to develop resilient economies independently.

“Today, I am here not only as the president of Nigeria but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people. This moment is a source of pride and honour for you, the entire continent, and its diaspora,” he said.

Since Tinubu assumed the presidency, he and Obasanjo have sparingly met, with Obasanjo frequently criticising his administration.

Last year, Obasanjo said the removal of petrol subsidy by Tinubu’s administration was necessary but “wrongly and thoughtlessly” implemented.

“Today, the government has taken three decisions, two of which are necessary but wrongly and thoughtlessly implemented and have led to the impoverisation of the economy and of Nigerians,” the former president had said.

“These are removal of subsidy, closing the gap between the black market and official rates of exchange and the third is dealing with a military coup in Niger Republic.”

Also, in November 2024, Obasanjo said Nigeria’s failing state status was evident due to “widespread corruption, poor leadership, and immorality”.

In his keynote address at the Chinua Achebe leadership forum held at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, Obasanjo said Nigeria was sinking into insecurity, division, and underdevelopment under Tinubu’s administration.

The former president also said Nigeria must appoint new, credible leaders for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with short tenure to prevent corruption and re-establish trust in the institution.

However, in a reaction, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Obasanjo left many unresolved problems for the country, adding that he presided over the most fraudulent election in Nigeria’s history.