Politics

Tinubu’s Aide Fires Back at Obasanjo: “Boko Haram Started Under Your Watch

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on November 30th, 2025.

Tinubu’s Aide Fires Back at Obasanjo: “Boko Haram Started Under Your Watch”

In a fiery response to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a key aide to President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Obasanjo’s recent criticisms of the current administration, pointing to the emergence of Boko Haram as a legacy issue left unresolved by previous governments.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the aide stressed that the insurgency in northeastern Nigeria began during Obasanjo’s tenure, urging the former president to acknowledge historical context before passing judgment on today’s administration.

“The reality is clear,” the aide stated. “Boko Haram’s violent campaign did not emerge overnight. It started under your watch, Mr. Obasanjo, and successive governments have struggled to contain it. Criticizing the current administration without acknowledging past lapses is neither fair nor constructive.”

The aide further highlighted the current government’s efforts to tackle security challenges, citing ongoing military operations, intelligence reforms, and community engagement programs aimed at dismantling terrorist networks. According to him, these initiatives reflect a proactive and sustained approach that contrasts with the reactive measures of past administrations.

Observers believe the exchange underscores the growing tension between Nigeria’s political elite, particularly in the wake of increasing public scrutiny over national security. Some analysts argue that the dialogue also reflects a broader struggle to define accountability for longstanding issues such as terrorism, banditry, and insurgency in the country.

While former President Obasanjo has long been vocal about governance and security in Nigeria, the response from Tinubu’s camp signals a willingness to challenge historical narratives and defend the current administration’s record.

As the debate continues, Nigerians remain keenly attentive to both past and present efforts to restore peace and stability, hoping that political exchanges translate into actionable strategies agains

t insecurity.