"Obasanjo Is Nigeria's Best President Ever," Declares Reno Omokri

In a powerful and detailed analysis, former presidential aide and author, Reno Omokri,  has named former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Nigeria’s greatest leader, asserting that his record of tangible achievements and personal sacrifice remains unrivaled in the nation’s history.

Omokri’s endorsement stems from a close study of Obasanjo’s memoirs, particularly his book Not My Will, which reveals a critical moment of democratic fidelity. He highlights Obasanjo’s refusal in 1983 to accept a military offer to overthrow the Shagari government and return to power. “His reason was profound,” Omokri notes. “He said he would not become the destroyer of the very democracy he helped build. That integrity is the foundation of his legacy.”

The commentary builds a formidable case by directly comparing Obasanjo’s tenure to the globally celebrated legacy of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew. Omokri challenges what he sees as a double standard in admiration. “We rightly praise Lee Kuan Yew, but a factual comparison shows Obasanjo achieved more under far more difficult circumstances,” he argues.

He presents a point-by-point assessment:

*   National Unity: Obasanjo fought to preserve Nigeria as one entity; Yew led a city-state to independence.

*   Economic Legacy: The Obasanjo administration secured Nigeria’s historic debt relief, erasing a $30 billion burden, and oversaw robust GDP growth.

*   Personal Sacrifice: Obasanjo was imprisoned for his political stands, a price Yew did not pay.

“When you consider the pariah state he inherited in 1999 and the respected, economically stable power he left in 2007, the transformation is undeniable,” Omokri states. “He restored Nigeria’s international standing, hosted consecutive U.S. presidents, and projected our influence globally.”

Omokri also emphasizes Obasanjo’s intellectual contribution as Africa’s most prolific author-leader, with over 21 books. “This is a leader who has meticulously documented his philosophy and actions for history. To understand Nigeria’s journey, his works, especially Not My Will, are essential.”

The conclusion is unequivocal. “Based on the evidence—of nation-building, economic management, democratic sacrifice, and intellectual legacy—Chief Olusegun Obasanjo stands apart,” says Omokri. “He is, simply put, the best President Nigeria has ever had.”