Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has stressed that the fight against corruption can only succeed if accountability begins with the highest levels of government.

Speaking during a virtual interactive session titled “Boiling Point Arena”, hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo highlighted the critical role of leadership in tackling corruption. The session, broadcast on multiple local radio stations, revolved around his legacy and reflections on Nigeria’s current state.

Describing corruption as a pervasive and deeply rooted issue in Nigerian society, Obasanjo asserted that reform must start at the top. “The best way of fighting corruption is to begin from the head. That is where corruption must be fought,” he said.

The former president likened corruption to a babariga (a traditional Nigerian flowing robe), explaining its persistent nature. “As the late Sultan of Sokoto once said, corruption is like a babariga—if you fold it on one side, it falls on the other. If you hold it on both sides, your hands cannot be free. The moment you let go, it unravels. Corruption is not a one-day affair; it requires daily and consistent effort across multiple regimes. Once one regime falters, it spreads again,” he noted.

Obasanjo also advocated for a merit-based system in public appointments, urging leaders to prioritise competence over political or tribal considerations. He warned against leaders driven by self-interest or destructive forces. “Leadership can come from God, but it can also come from Satan. Leaders ordained by God are more likely to succeed, while those who enthrone themselves or are elevated through dubious means are bound to fail,” he remarked.

He called for sustained vigilance and institutional reforms to address corruption, urging Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable and ensure governance remains transparent and integrity-driven.