Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has refuted long-standing claims that he once sought a third term in office, insisting that no Nigerian — living or dead — can truthfully say he solicited their support for such an agenda.
Speaking at the Democracy Dialogue organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Ghana, Obasanjo said he achieved more challenging goals during his presidency, including securing debt relief for Nigeria, which he argued was a far greater task than extending his tenure.
“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,” Obasanjo declared.
“I keep telling them that if I could get debt relief, which was more difficult than getting a third term, then if I wanted a third term, I would have got it too,” he added.
The former leader urged African presidents to avoid clinging to power, warning that believing oneself indispensable was a “sin against God.”
Also addressing the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan cautioned that electoral manipulation remains one of the biggest threats to democracy on the continent. He stressed that without credible reforms, democracy in Africa risks collapse.
“Democracy in the African continent is going through a period of strain and risk of collapse unless stakeholders come together to rethink and reform it. Electoral manipulation remains one of the biggest threats in Africa,” Jonathan warned.
He argued that properly conducted elections would naturally remove underperforming leaders but lamented that the system is often hijacked by those desperate to stay in power.
“Our people want to enjoy their freedoms. They want their votes to count during elections. They want equitable representation and inclusivity. They want good education, security, healthcare, jobs, and dignity. When leaders fail to meet these basic needs, the people become disillusioned,” Jonathan added.
The dialogue, which drew participants including ECOWAS Commission president Omar Touray and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese, underscored that democracy in Africa must go beyond elections to embrace accountability, service, and discipline.
