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TOP FIVE WORST NIGERIAN PRESIDENTS
Not every leader ends up being a hero. Over the years, Nigeria has had presidents and military rulers who made big promises but left the country worse than they met it.
From economic hardship to corruption and human rights abuses, some of these leaders will always be remembered for the wrong reasons.
Here are some Nigerian presidents whose time in power caused more harm than good, based on their actions, decisions, and the lasting damage they left behind.
General Sani Abacha (1993–1998)
Abacha’s regime is remembered for its brutal suppression: political assassinations, imprisonments, death sentences, and a notorious clampdown on dissent. He executed Ken Saro‑Wiwa and other activists following sham trials, drawing global condemnation.
As one of history’s most infamous kleptocrats, Abacha embezzled between $2–5 billion some estimates go even higher—hindering Nigeria’s development.
General Ibrahim Babangida (1985–1993)
His administration institutionalized corruption, with an estimated $12 billion in unexplained windfalls and misuse of privatization processes benefiting cronies (“IBB Boys”).
He annulled the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by MKO Abiola, crushing Nigeria’s hopes for democracy and causing national upheaval.
Human rights violations included executions of dissenting soldiers and journalists (e.g., Mamman Vatsa, Dele Giwa).
Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023)
Dubbed “Baba Go Slow” for his sluggish response to insurgency, he oversaw two recessions and a deteriorating security situation with militant groups fueling violence.
His presidency saw record debt accumulation, a weakened naira, and rising inflation, leading some to label Nigeria the “poverty capital of the world.
Despite early promises to eliminate corruption and sell jets, Buhari’s administration actually acquired more presidential jets, and his family maintained lavish spending profiles.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2023–Present)
Since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu’s economic reforms including removing fuel subsidies and liberalizing the naira have triggered an inflation surge, skyrocketing fuel and food prices, and sharp naira depreciation.
One commentator called it “economic arson” and named him the “most hated president in living memory. The Nigeria Labour Congress says his policies have hit Nigerians harder than Buhari or Jonathan faced.
Critics point to worsening insecurity, rural massacres, and growing poverty, with the Coalition of United Political Parties declaring his two years “the worst period … since independence.”
Accusations of bias in appointments (favoring his Yoruba base) and suppressing dissent milestone examples include banning dissenting music about rising costs.
General Yakubu Gowon (1966–1975)
While overseeing the end of the civil war and Nigeria’s first oil boom, Gowon faced criticism for failing to implement meaningful reconciliation. His “no victor, no vanquished” policy was seen as superficial.
His prolonged rule without a return to civilian governance raised concerns about democratic stagnation and deepening military entrenchment.
