Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said had the capability to secure a third term if he had desired it before leaving office in 2007.
In an engagement organized by the Africa Leadership Group, the former President reiterated that he is not interested in extending his tenure as President, but emphasized that he had the audacity to do so if he had wanted to.
Obasanjo, who served as President of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, had previously been known to be vocal about his opposition to the idea of tenure elongation and the possibility of a third term for any President.
However, his recent comments have sparked renewed debate among political analysts and members of the public.
He said “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,” Obasanjo said.
In addition to his comments on a potential third term, Obasanjo also clarified that he has no plans to join the campaign team of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi. This comes after he recently threw his support behind Obi’s ambition in a New Year message to Nigerians. The former President stated that he no longer belongs to any political party and will not be joining any campaign. He said “I am not in campaign train. I’ve used benefit of my experience and I’ve put plainly. “I do not belong to any political party. I will not join any campaign train. I’ve said what is best for the country”.
Obasanjo also touched on the importance of leadership in Nigeria, stating that the country’s current state is a result of leadership issues. He emphasized the need to look for men and women who possess the necessary character, attributes, skills and attitude to lead the country to progress. He also called for an amendment to the Nigerian Constitution, specifically mentioning the need for devolution of power.
Obasanjo’s comments have generated mixed reactions, with some people hailing his boldness and others criticizing his statements as a sign of political ambition. Whatever the case may be, Obasanjo’s statements have reignited the conversation around the possibility of a third term and the role of leadership in Nigeria’s future.
