Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly dismissed long-standing claims that he secretly lobbied for a third term in office, insisting that such allegations are baseless and not backed by any evidence. Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s leader between 1999 and 2007, made these remarks during the Democracy Dialogue organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday.
The ex-president said it was laughable to think he couldn’t have achieved a third term if he genuinely wanted it. He emphasized that his political experience and global influence at the time were strong enough for him to secure another tenure, but that was never his plan. “I’m not a fool. If I wanted a third term, I know exactly how to go about it. There is no Nigerian, dead or alive, who can truthfully say I called them and asked for support for a third term,” Obasanjo boldly declared.
Debt Relief Was a Bigger Challenge
Obasanjo used the platform to highlight one of his administration’s biggest achievements: securing Nigeria’s debt relief. He argued that negotiating and obtaining international debt forgiveness was a far more difficult task than securing an extension of his tenure would have been. According to him, this was proof that if he could succeed in that area, a third term would have been easily achievable if he wanted it.
“I keep reminding people that if I could successfully get debt relief, which was extremely difficult and required international diplomacy and negotiation, then third term would have been nothing in comparison. If I truly wanted a third term, I would have achieved it too,” the former leader explained.
Warning to Leaders Who Refuse to Leave Power
Obasanjo also seized the opportunity to issue a stern warning to African leaders who cling to power, stressing that such an attitude is rooted in arrogance and a false sense of indispensability. He stated that refusing to leave office after the end of a constitutional tenure is both selfish and dangerous for democracy. “The best form of leadership is when you are young, vibrant, and full of ideas. When you get to the point of being old and worn out, you can no longer give your best. Yet some leaders insist on staying, claiming no one else can do the job,” he said.
He further argued that the belief that no one else can govern effectively is not only flawed but also ungodly. “Some leaders will tell you they have no replacement, but I believe this is a sin against God. If God decides to take you away today, someone else will definitely step in, and that person may perform better or worse. Leadership is never about one individual; it is about service to the people,” Obasanjo stated.
The former president’s remarks were met with applause from participants, many of whom described his speech as both insightful and a timely reminder for leaders across Africa who struggle with the temptation of clinging to power. Obasanjo concluded by reiterating that his legacy lies in strengthening democracy in Nigeria, not in seeking endless tenure for personal gain.