Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that many leaders across Nigeria and other African nations deserve incarceration or even the death penalty. 

Mr Obasanjo made these comments on Friday while hosting six federal lawmakers at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta. The lawmakers had co-sponsored bills advocating for the six-year term and regional rotation of Nigeria’s presidency.

“Our main problem is ourselves. Whether we adopt a single six-year term or two four-year terms, if we persist with the same mentality and approach, nothing will change,” Mr Obasanjo said.

“The real issue is ourselves. Yes, the system needs rethinking, but the character of people in government must change. With all due respect, many in government should currently be behind bars or on the gallows.”

Further discussing African politics, Mr Obasanjo emphasised the need for a re-evaluation of liberal democracy to ensure broader inclusion.

“For me, it is not just about the system; we may need to rethink our liberal democracy. In Africa, we often speak of a loyal opposition, but what actually happens is that a consensus is reached, leaving no room for genuine opposition; everyone aligns and moves together,” Mr Obasanjo said.

He added, “In many African languages, the term for opposition translates to ‘enemies.’ What do you do with loyal enemies? Once you assume power, you claim everything, leaving the opposition in obscurity. This approach is counterproductive. We need to unite to advance society.”

The lawmakers who met with Mr Obasanjo included Ugochinyere Ikenga from Imo, Abdulmalik Danga from Kogi, Kama Nkemkanma from Ebonyi, Usman Midala from Borno, Matthew Nwogu from Imo, and Peter Aniekwe from Anambra.