Why was President Tinubu named the third world’s most corrupt leader in 2024?

Breaking: A OCCRP report alleges President Tinubu is the third most corrupt leader globally. pic.twitter.com/VriLhkfmHd

— Naija (@Naija_PR) December 31, 2024

According to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has been ranked as the third most corrupt leader in the world. After counting the 55,000 nominations which came in from voters, President Tinubu received the third-highest number of votes and ended up on the list of finalists. William Ruto, the president of Kenya, had more votes than any other 2024 nominee, closely followed by Joko Widodo, the ex-president of Indonesia.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has claimed the third spot on the list of the world’s most corrupt leaders, as compiled by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). This ranking followed a public nomination process that highlighted individuals who had played significant roles in advancing corruption while exacerbating poverty. Tinubu, alongside former Indonesian president Joko Widodo, ranked behind Kenyan president William Ruto, who received the highest number of votes. Despite the controversial listing, the OCCRP named Syria’s ousted leader Bashar al-Assad as the “Person of the Year” for his extensive involvement in corruption.

He has been repeatedly linked to drug trafficking, forgery, and financial malpractice.

According to People’s Gazette, Tinubu’s alleged role in entrenched corruption during his tenure as the governor of Lagos from 1999 to 2003, as well as his presidency, contributed to his ranking. During his time as governor, he was believed to have amassed significant wealth, and his presidency has seen controversial moves such as awarding a multitrillion-naira road project to a company in which his son, Seyi, has substantial interest. His past, including allegations of being involved in a cocaine trade in Chicago and certificate forgery, further tarnished his reputation and played a role in the nomination process.

Though President Tinubu strongly denied any allegations of corruption, the OCCRP’s ranking highlights the global scrutiny surrounding his leadership, especially regarding his alleged role in perpetuating a culture of corruption in Nigeria.

As of the last updates, spokespersons for Mr. Tinubu had not responded to inquiries about his recognition as a major organised crime figure by the OCCRP.