Africa
Africa’s leaders at the helm of corruption: Tinubu and Ruto in the global spotlight
DDM News

Corruption remains a significant challenge in Nigeria and Kenya, casting a shadow over their political and economic landscapes.
On December 15, 2024, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) released its annual rankings of the world’s most corrupt leaders.
This report, based on investigative journalism and global nominations, highlighted the alarming state of governance in these African nations.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was ranked third on the list, while Kenya’s President William Ruto took the second spot.
The findings have sparked controversy, raising questions about leadership, governance, and the future of democracy in Africa (OCCRP Annual Report, December 15, 2024).
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and now Nigeria’s president, has long been a subject of corruption allegations.
Despite the lack of legal convictions, critics have often questioned the sources of his immense wealth, suggesting possible ties to corrupt practices.
Tinubu has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that his wealth was acquired legitimately (Premium Times, September 2024).
Tinubu’s presidency has been marked by bold economic reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies on May 29, 2023, and the devaluation of the naira in June 2023.
These measures were intended to stabilize Nigeria’s economy but have led to widespread inflation and an increase in poverty (The Nation, August 2024).
Critics argue that the success of such reforms depends on the transparency and integrity of the political class—a standard many believe Tinubu has failed to meet.
On November 20, 2023, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) filed a lawsuit against Tinubu.
The lawsuit demands an investigation into alleged missing funds tied to unaccounted oil revenues and refinery repairs between 2020 and 2021.
According to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), over $10 billion may have been diverted or mismanaged during this period.
SERAP seeks to compel Tinubu’s administration to recover these missing public funds, a move seen as a test of his commitment to fighting corruption (SERAP Press Release, November 20, 2023; NEITI Report, 2021).
Kenya’s President William Ruto, ranked second in the OCCRP’s corruption list, faces similar challenges.
Ruto’s administration has been accused of governance issues and a lack of accountability.
Critics argue that corruption has become entrenched in Kenya’s political system, with public resources often diverted for personal or political gain.
While Ruto has vowed to tackle corruption, his government’s actions have been viewed with skepticism (Daily Nation Kenya, December 10, 2024).
On December 10, 2024, reports emerged of multiple graft scandals involving high-ranking officials in Kenya’s public service.
These cases included allegations of funds being embezzled from the national healthcare program and infrastructure projects.
Much like Tinubu, Ruto’s leadership raises questions about the gap between promises and performance in addressing systemic corruption (Daily Nation Kenya, December 10, 2024).
The OCCRP’s rankings aim to highlight leaders whose actions have significantly advanced criminal activities, exacerbated poverty, and undermined democratic institutions.
President Tinubu’s and President Ruto’s inclusion in this list underscores the global perception of corruption as a pervasive issue in their administrations.
For Tinubu, the ranking aligns with ongoing concerns about his administration’s lack of transparency.
Despite his economic reforms, allegations of corruption continue to erode public trust.
Similarly, Ruto’s position in the rankings reflects Kenya’s struggles with corruption and governance issues, further tarnishing his leadership credentials (OCCRP Annual Report, December 15, 2024).
In addition to Tinubu’s controversies, Nigeria’s fight against corruption has been marred by scandals within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC, established to combat corruption, has faced credibility challenges due to internal corruption and allegations of political interference.
On November 2, 2024, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede announced the dismissal of two officials for alleged corruption.
Olukoyede emphasized the commission’s commitment to internal reforms, warning that any staff engaging in corrupt practices would face dismissal and prosecution (EFCC Official Statement, November 2, 2024).
While this move aims to restore public confidence, the EFCC’s internal issues highlight the systemic nature of corruption in Nigeria.
On June 10, 2024, former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele was suspended and subsequently arrested on fraud charges.
This case further exemplifies the challenges within Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, with critics labeling it as politically motivated (BBC Africa, June 10, 2024).
The OCCRP’s findings and the scandals within Nigeria’s EFCC reveal a broader issue of governance in Africa.
Corruption undermines public trust, hampers economic development, and erodes democratic institutions.
For Nigeria and Kenya, the rankings serve as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms.
Economic reforms, such as those implemented by Tinubu, must be accompanied by measures that promote transparency and accountability.
Without such measures, these reforms risk exacerbating existing inequalities and deepening public disillusionment.
As noted in discussions about “Tinubunomics,” the success of economic policies depends not only on their design but also on the integrity of those implementing them.
Similarly, Kenya’s fight against corruption under Ruto’s leadership requires a renewed commitment to good governance.
Addressing corruption at all levels is crucial for restoring public confidence and fostering sustainable development.
The rankings by the OCCRP have sparked widespread debate, both domestically and internationally.
Critics argue that these rankings may oversimplify complex governance issues, while others see them as a necessary spotlight on corrupt practices.
Civil society organizations, such as SERAP in Nigeria, play a crucial role in holding leaders accountable.
By demanding investigations into allegations of corruption, these organizations amplify the voices of citizens calling for transparency and justice.
Corruption remains a pervasive challenge in Nigeria, Kenya, and other parts of Africa, undermining development and democracy.
The inclusion of Presidents Tinubu and Ruto in the OCCRP’s corruption rankings underscores the urgency of addressing this issue at the highest levels of leadership.
For anti-corruption efforts to succeed, there must be a demonstrable commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity.
This includes addressing allegations against high-ranking officials and ensuring that institutions like the EFCC operate independently and without internal corruption.
The future of governance in Africa depends on the willingness of leaders to confront corruption head-on.
As citizens demand greater accountability, the spotlight on figures like Tinubu and Ruto serves as a reminder that no leader is above scrutiny.
The path forward requires collective action, both from governments and civil society, to build a more transparent and just society.
https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/leaders/president-ruto-and-tinubu-named-among-worlds-most-corrupt-leaders-of-2024/xpl951
For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook