Top 6 Governors That Have Been Impeached in Nigeria

Since Nigeria embraced democracy in 1999, the political landscape has seen various governors facing impeachment for a range of serious allegations. 

In Rivers State, Nigeria, there’s ongoing tension due to a recent Supreme Court decision that confirmed the positions of 27 state lawmakers.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who had previously shown a strong stance, invited these lawmakers to a meeting. This action was met with suspicion. A critic named Okocha accused the governor of being ineffective and ignoring legal rules and President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point plan to solve the state’s political problems.

Okocha also doubted the governor’s reasons for the meeting, calling him dishonest and comparing him to a “dangerous snake.” This situation points to continuing conflicts and challenges in managing the state’s affairs.

As the largest democracy in Africa, Nigeria operates with a federal structure comprising 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory (FCT), each with its own government. 

Governors may leave office for several reasons, including impeachment, death, or annulment of their election.

Here is the list of impeached Governors in Nigeria:

1. Governor Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti State)

Governor Fayose was impeached on October 15, 2006, along with his deputy, due to accusations of corruption. The main issue was the misuse of funds in the Ekiti State Poultry Project, managed by a contractor who was also Fayose’s childhood friend. 

This contractor allegedly built a house and bought a car for Fayose’s family with state funds. The same day he was impeached, the Speaker of the House was made the acting governor. 

Fayose reportedly left the country during this period, leading to a serious government crisis as his deputy claimed she was the rightful acting governor. 

However, in 2015, the Supreme Court stated that Fayose’s impeachment was invalid and confirmed his election win.

2. Governor Murtala Nyako (Adamawa State)

Governor Nyako was impeached on July 15, 2014, due to allegations of serious misconduct. The state assembly, with a majority agreement, found him guilty of various charges. 

After his deputy resigned to avoid impeachment, the Speaker of the House became the acting governor. Later, a court ruled that Nyako’s impeachment was unfair because he didn’t get a proper hearing, but he did not return to office as his term had already ended.

3. Governor Joshua Dariye (Plateau State)

Governor Dariye was impeached on November 13, 2006, for allegedly misusing public funds and money laundering in London. The Deputy Governor took over as governor. 

However, in 2007, a court ordered that Dariye should be reinstated, and this decision was supported by the Supreme Court, allowing him to return to office immediately.

4. Governor Peter Obi (Anambra State)

Governor Obi was impeached on November 2, 2006, but his deputy took over and became Nigeria’s first female governor. Obi challenged his impeachment in court and was reinstated by the Court of Appeal in February 2007. His deputy then handed power back to him.

5. Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (Bayelsa State)

Governor Alamieyeseigha was impeached on December 9, 2005, for theft of public funds, abusing his office, and laundering money. Authorities found he owned properties and had large sums of money, which led to his removal.

6. Governor Rasheed Ladoja (Oyo State)

Governor Ladoja was impeached on January 12, 2006, and his deputy took over as governor. However, the court later found the impeachment to be invalid and illegal. The Supreme Court upheld this decision in 2009, and Ladoja returned to office in December of that year.