Obasanjo Denies Third-Term Agenda, Says He Never Wanted It

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has once again dismissed long-standing claims that he attempted to extend his stay in power beyond the constitutionally allowed two terms, insisting that he never sought a third term while in office.

Speaking at the Democracy Dialogue hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Ghana, Obasanjo said there was no Nigerian, living or dead, who could truthfully claim that he had ever solicited support for a third term.

He stressed that had he truly desired it, he had both the capacity and influence to achieve it.

“I think I’m not a fool. If I wanted it, some thought I wanted it, I know how to go about it. And there is no Nigerian dead or alive that will say I called him and told him I wanted a third term. None,” the former president declared.

Obasanjo went on to compare the alleged third-term ambition with the effort it took to secure international debt relief for Nigeria during his administration, describing debt relief as a much tougher task.

“Getting debt relief was more difficult than getting a third term. If I wanted a third term, I would have gotten it too,” he stated.

He used the platform to caution African leaders against clinging to power, stressing that no individual is indispensable. “There will always be somebody who will come and do it, maybe better, maybe worse, but somebody will do it,” he said.

The former president’s remarks revive memories of the heated debate in 2006, when a constitutional amendment that could have allowed a third term was introduced in the National Assembly. While Obasanjo has consistently denied any involvement, many political actors of the time, including his then-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accused him of backing the controversial proposal.

Obasanjo’s latest denial appears aimed at reinforcing his legacy as a leader who respected Nigeria’s democratic framework, even as the third-term debate remains etched in the nation’s political history.