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Political activist and civil society leader Dr. Usman Bugaje has strongly disputed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent denial of pursuing a third term in office. Bugaje insists that Obasanjo “did everything within his power” to extend his tenure.
Obasanjo made the denial during a democracy dialogue hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Ghana last week, saying, “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.”
However, Bugaje, who served in the National Assembly during Obasanjo’s administration, countered these claims on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, September 22. He said lawmakers at the time were aware of Obasanjo’s alleged third-term ambitions.
“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, and he failed to do so,” Bugaje declared.
He added, “The fact that he did not make a direct phone call to anyone is not proof that he didn’t pursue a third term. It’s just a matter of style. But all of us in the National Assembly knew beyond any doubt that he worked day and night, and many of us were threatened by his agents.”
Bugaje also recalled instances of intimidation against lawmakers, including Senator Victor Lar, then leader of the Northern caucus in the House of Representatives, who reportedly had to hide to avoid pressure before a crucial meeting to resist the third-term bid.
He concluded, “Those who distributed money and threatened us are still alive. Those who received the money are alive. Those who refused it are alive. There is enough evidence. This is incontrovertible; there is no way he can deny it.”
