Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has shed light on the longstanding debate surrounding his purported ambition for a third term in office. In a recent interview with News Central, he categorically denied ever intending to pursue such an agenda, countering claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President Ken Nnamani.
Obasanjo asserted that had he genuinely wanted a third term, he could have easily achieved it. He suggested that the rumors were fueled by certain governors who sought to extend their own tenures, believing that his success in securing a third term would facilitate their ambitions.
“If I had wanted a third term, I would have gotten it,” Obasanjo stated. “I didn’t want a third term. I know some governors working for this, believing that if I, as president, got a third, they would also get it.”
He emphasized that securing debt relief for Nigeria was a more formidable challenge than any political ambition, recalling the diplomatic negotiations with countries like France, England, Japan, and the United States that led to significant financial relief for the nation.
Both Atiku Abubakar and Ken Nnamani have claimed credit for thwarting Obasanjo’s alleged bid. Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Atiku highlighted his connections within the National Assembly as pivotal in blocking the supposed third-term agenda.
Obasanjo and Atiku served together from 1999 to 2007, but their relationship deteriorated when Obasanjo opted not to endorse Atiku as his successor. Nnamani also shared that he sacrificed his own senatorial ambitions to combat Obasanjo’s alleged plans, asserting that while many lawmakers were enticed with promises and cash, he remained resolute in his opposition, which ultimately cost him re-election in 2007.
