Nigerian Presidents And A Governor Who Served Jail Terms Before Assuming Power

Nigeria has a long and complicated political history, and its politicians have played a significant role in shaping the country’s fortunes. While some have gone on to achieve great success, others have had a more checkered past. In this article, we will look at some of the Nigerian politicians who served jail terms before becoming president.

1. Olusegun Obasanjo

Olusegun Obasanjo is a former Nigerian president who served two non-consecutive terms, from 1976 to 1979, and from 1999 to 2007. He is also one of the few Nigerian politicians who have served jail time before becoming president. Obasanjo was jailed for plotting a coup against the government of General Sani Abacha in 1995. He spent three years in prison before being released in 1998.

2. Shehu Shagari

Shehu Shagari was the first executive president of Nigeria, serving from 1979 to 1983. Before his presidency, he was a member of the House of Representatives, then the Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance. Shagari was arrested and jailed by the military government that ousted him from power in 1983.

3. Muhammadu Buhari

Muhammadu Buhari is the current president of Nigeria, having been elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019. Before becoming president, Buhari had a long and distinguished military career, including serving as the military governor of the North-Eastern State, which is now divided into six states. However, he was also jailed for two years by the military government that overthrew him in 1985.

4. Lateef Jakande

Lateef Jakande was the governor of Lagos State from 1979 to 1983. Before that, he was a journalist, and later, the managing director of the Nigerian Tribune. Jakande was jailed by the military government that overthrew Shehu Shagari in 1983.

Serving jail time is not a prerequisite for becoming president in Nigeria. However, these five politicians have demonstrated that one can overcome adversity and still rise to the highest office in the land. Their stories serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people, and a reminder of the challenges that the country has faced and continues to face.

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