OBJ Was Once The Pres. Of The Country & A Former Military Man, Yet He Never Bullied Tinubu–Hyacinth

Mr. Hyacinth, a political analyst with The Hyacinth Network, has compared the leadership styles of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that Obasanjo never bullied Tinubu despite their political disagreements when he was in power.

In a video shared by Advocacy for Good Governance on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Hyacinth expressed concerns about what he described as growing political intimidation under the Tinubu administration, using Obasanjo’s relationship with Tinubu during his presidency to highlight his argument.

Hyacinth recalled that Obasanjo occupied the highest political office in Nigeria and had previously served as a military leader. However, he maintained that despite his military background and authority as president, Obasanjo did not resort to bullying Tinubu when political disagreements arose between them.

The political analyst used the comparison to question the treatment of political opponents under the current administration, suggesting that democratic leadership should accommodate opposing views rather than use political power to intimidate those who disagree with the government.

Speaking in the video, Hyacinth said, “Obasanjo was once the President of the country and a former military man, yet he never bullied Tinubu.”

He made the statement while discussing the relationship between political leaders and the importance of respecting democratic principles, particularly when individuals or groups express positions that differ from those of the government in power.

Hyacinth’s argument centred on the need for political tolerance, pointing to Obasanjo’s experience as both a former military ruler and a democratically elected president. According to his comparison, Obasanjo’s position of authority did not prevent Tinubu from maintaining his political identity and expressing opposition during disagreements with the Federal Government.

The analyst also raised concerns about the independence of democratic institutions, suggesting that political intimidation could undermine the ability of opposition figures and other stakeholders to participate freely in Nigeria’s democratic process.

His comments come amid broader political discussions about the relationship between the ruling party and opposition figures, particularly concerning the exercise of government authority and the protection of political rights.

Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 1999 to 2007, while Tinubu was a prominent opposition politician and governor of Lagos State during much of that period. Their political relationship was marked by disagreements involving the Federal Government and Lagos State.

Hyacinth’s reference to that period was intended to illustrate his view that political disagreements should not automatically translate into intimidation or the use of state power against opponents.

He further used the comparison to question whether Nigeria’s current political environment provides sufficient room for dissenting voices and independent democratic institutions to operate without undue pressure.

He maintained that respect for democratic participation and political differences remains important to the country’s democratic development.

Click on the link to watch the video from 4:08 – 4:17.

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