Political activist and civil society leader Dr. Usman Bugaje has tackled former President Olusegun Obasanjo over denial of pursuing a third term in office, insisting that the ex-president ‘did everything within his power’ to extend his tenure.
Obasanjo had recently addressed the issue at a democracy dialogue hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Ghana.
“I’m not a fool. If I wanted a third term, I know how to go about it. And there is no Nigerian dead or alive that would say I called him and told him I wanted a third term,” he said.
Bugaje Insists Obasanjo Sought Third Term
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Bugaje, who served in the National Assembly during Obasanjo’s administration, asserted that lawmakers at the time had firsthand knowledge of the former president’s alleged ambition.
“I can confirm to you that Obasanjo looked for a third term. He did everything that he could within his power to get a third term, he failed to do so,” Bugaje said.
He explained that Obasanjo’s approach did not necessarily involve direct phone calls or overt declarations, but rather a “matter of style” known to legislators in the National Assembly.
“All of us in the National Assembly at that time knew beyond any doubt that he worked day and night, and many of us were threatened by his own agents,” he said.
Alleged Intimidation of Lawmakers
Bugaje recalled incidents of intimidation among lawmakers, highlighting the experience of Senator Victor Lar, then leader of the Northern caucus in the House of Representatives, who reportedly had to hide in various locations before a crucial gathering resisted the third-term bid.
“Those people who actually distributed the money and threatened us are alive. Those who received the money are alive. Those who refused to receive the money are alive. There is sufficient evidence… this is a matter that is incontrovertible, there is no way he can deny it,” Bugaje stated.