12 Times Nigerian Presidents Failed Us

For years, Nigerian presidents have come into office with big promises of change and progress. Yet, time and again, these leaders have let us down with broken promises, poor decisions, and serious mistakes.

From economic problems to political missteps, the people of Nigeria have suffered because of leaders who often seem more interested in power than in helping the country.

This isn’t just about a few mistakes – it’s a pattern of failure that has hurt the nation. Here are 12 clear times when Nigerian presidents failed us, showing how leadership can either help or harm a country.

1. Economic Crisis Under Shehu Shagari (1983)

Shehu Shagari became Nigeria’s first executive president, but by the end of his first term, the economy was in bad shape. Inflation was high, the value of the naira fell, and many people lost their jobs.

His government struggled to handle these issues, which led to his removal by a military coup in 1983.

2. Annulment of the June 12 Election – Ibrahim Babangida (1993)

In 1993, General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the June 12 election, which was believed to be the fairest in Nigeria’s history. M.K.O. Abiola was expected to win, but Babangida’s decision to cancel the results caused chaos.

The country faced protests, strikes, and loss of lives, creating distrust in Nigeria’s leadership.

3. The Brutal Regime of Sani Abacha (1993-1998)

General Sani Abacha’s rule was known for human rights abuses and massive corruption. His government silenced opposition, looted public funds, and treated citizens harshly.

One of the darkest moments was the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, which shocked the world and made Nigeria an isolated country globally.

4. Olusegun Obasanjo’s Missed Opportunities (1999-2007)

Olusegun Obasanjo had a chance to turn Nigeria around, especially with rising oil prices during his second term, but he failed to fix major issues like the power sector.

His attempt to extend his presidency beyond two terms also caused division. Despite the potential for more progress, the government did not make significant long-lasting reforms.

5. Yar’Adua’s Health Crisis and Political Confusion (2009)

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua became very sick, but the government kept it a secret for months. This created confusion and a leadership vacuum.

Nigeria was left without clear direction, and the situation became a major political problem until he passed away, leading to a constitutional crisis.

6. Boko Haram Terrorism During Goodluck Jonathan’s Rule (2010-2015)

Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency saw the rise of Boko Haram, a terrorist group that terrorized northern Nigeria. One of the worst moments was the kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014.

The government’s slow and ineffective response to Boko Haram’s attacks made people lose trust in Jonathan’s ability to protect the country.

7. Fuel Subsidy Removal Protests Under Jonathan (2012)

In 2012, Jonathan’s government removed fuel subsidies, causing a sharp increase in fuel prices. This led to massive protests across the country.

While the move made economic sense, the government failed to explain its benefits properly, leaving Nigerians feeling angry and frustrated as they struggled with higher living costs.

8. Muhammadu Buhari’s Economic Recession (2016)

When Muhammadu Buhari became president in 2015, many hoped for positive change. But in 2016, Nigeria fell into its first recession in over 20 years.

Many blamed Buhari’s slow response to the economic challenges. Unemployment went up, businesses struggled, and the cost of living became more expensive, leaving many Nigerians disappointed.

9. #EndSARS Protests – Buhari’s Failure to Address Police Brutality (2020)

In 2020, young Nigerians took to the streets to protest against police brutality, especially the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The protests ended tragically when security forces allegedly shot at peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Gate. The Buhari administration failed to listen to the cries for change, deepening the frustration of many Nigerians.

10. The Cash Crunch Crisis – Buhari’s Currency Redesign (2023)

In 2023, Buhari’s government introduced new naira notes, asking Nigerians to return their old currency. But the process was chaotic, causing a severe shortage of cash.

People struggled to withdraw money, businesses were affected, and daily life became difficult. This poorly planned move hurt Nigerians, especially at a time when they were already facing economic hardships.

11. Fuel Subsidy Removal Without Proper Planning – Tinubu (2024)

One of Tinubu’s first big decisions as president was to remove the fuel subsidy. While this change had been discussed for a long time, it was done suddenly without any steps to reduce the impact on ordinary people.

As a result, fuel prices shot up, making transportation, food, and other basic items more expensive. Many Nigerians felt that the government didn’t think about how this would affect their daily lives.

12. Economic Struggles – Tinubu (2024)

After removing the fuel subsidy, the cost of living became very high for most Nigerians. Prices for food and other goods increased, and businesses that depend on fuel suffered.

Although the government promised to help ease the burden, many of these promises have not been fully kept, leaving millions of people struggling to get by.