Olusegun Obasanjo denies ever seeking a third term as president, saying he never initiated such a plan and could have secured it if he wanted
Speaking at a virtual event organised by the Africa Leadership Group, themed “Leadership and Nation-Building”, Obasanjo said he never attempted to extend his stay beyond the constitutionally allowed two terms.
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“I never asked for a third term. If I wanted a third term, I would have got it. I am audacious enough to know how to get it,” the former leader said.
He argued that the speculation largely originated from political actors, including some governors, who assumed their tenures might also be extended if he remained in power.
Obasanjo pointed instead to his administration’s international achievements, particularly securing debt relief from France, England, Japan, and the United States.
According to him, such negotiations were far more complex than any attempt to alter Nigeria’s constitution for tenure elongation.
“No Nigerian, living or dead, has evidence that I ever initiated or formally discussed a third term plan,” he insisted.
Beyond the controversy, Obasanjo also used the platform to discuss broader issues of governance.
He noted that no constitution is perfect and called for amendments that would devolve more power to the federating units, thereby strengthening democratic governance.
The remarks have reignited debate over a controversy that first erupted in 2006, when perceived moves to amend the constitution for tenure extension sparked nationwide uproar.
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The National Assembly ultimately rejected the proposal, quelling the tension.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
