Bugaje Insists Obasanjo Sought Third Term

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s denial of seeking a third term has drawn a sharp response from political activist Dr. Usman Bugaje, who said the attempt to extend tenure was real and widely known among lawmakers at the time.

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Obasanjo had, at a democracy dialogue in Ghana hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, dismissed the long-debated controversy, claiming he never sought a third term and that no one could prove otherwise.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

Speaking on Arise Television, Bugaje countered the claim, stating that members of the National Assembly during Obasanjo’s presidency witnessed efforts by the government to push through the extension. He insisted that attempts were made “day and night” to secure support, with some lawmakers allegedly facing pressure and threats.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

Bugaje recalled that some legislators resisted strongly despite intimidation, citing incidents where colleagues reportedly went into hiding before rallying against the plan. He also mentioned that money was allegedly distributed to buy support for the amendment that would have allowed Obasanjo to remain in power.

According to Bugaje, many individuals involved in both resisting and promoting the move are still alive, and their testimonies serve as proof that the third-term bid was not a myth. He described Obasanjo’s denial as an attempt to rewrite history, saying the evidence of what happened remains clear to those who lived through it.