The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has ranked Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the third most corrupt leader globally. The ranking, part of OCCRP’s annual “Person of the Year” list on organized crime and corruption, highlights Tinubu’s alleged involvement in corruption throughout his political career , from his tenure as governor of Lagos State to the current presidential term.
Tinubu ranked behind Kenyan President William Ruto and former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, while the title “Person of the year” was awarded to former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad for widespread corruption and criminal activities.
The OCCRP report, compiled from nominations by the public, journalists and stakeholders, accused Tinubu of nepotism, embezzlement and other corrupt practices. Specific allegations include awarding a lucrative road project to a company linked to his family, amassing assets during his time as governor, and leveraging networks to benefit relatives your. Additionally, Tinubu’s political history has faced scrutiny over allegations of drug trafficking in Chicago and certificate forgery.
Critics have expressed outrage, saying the report reflects widespread corruption in the Nigerian government. However, some advocates question the credibility of OCCRP, arguing that the rankings may be influenced by political bias or misinformation. The posts range from outright condemnation to sarcastic commentary on the potential implications for Tinubu’s political future, especially with a possible re-election in 2027.
Critics say the rankings highlight systemic corruption in Nigeria’s governance structure, and point to Tinubu’s policies and appointments as evidence. On the other hand, Tinubu’s supporters dismissed the report as politically motivated, highlighting his government’s anti-corruption initiatives, including strengthening the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. main (EFCC).
Despite Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s largest economies, corruption still hinders development and foreign investment. While the Tinubu administration has promised reforms, OCCRP’s ratings show that significant challenges remain in tackling corruption at the highest levels of government.
Founded in 2006, OCCRP is a network of investigative journalists dedicated to exposing organized crime and corruption worldwide. Its annual rankings often spark debate and sometimes lead to legal actions, serving as a key point in discussions about global governance and ethical leadership.
As Nigeria approaches its next election cycle, this OCCRP report could influence public opinion, shape partisan politics and impact international perceptions of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. Whether this will spur stronger reforms or deepen political divisions remains uncertain.
