Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s denial of seeking a third term has been challenged by political commentator and ex-federal legislator Dr. Usman Bugaje, who insists Obasanjo “did everything within his power” to extend his stay in office. Speaking at a democracy dialogue in Ghana organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Obasanjo dismissed the controversy, 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, Dr. Bugaje, who served in the National Assembly during Obasanjo’s tenure, contradicted this claim in an Arise Television interview. “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, but he failed to do so,” Bugaje stated. He argued Obasanjo’s denial isn’t credible, highlighting intimidation faced by lawmakers, including Senator Victor Lar who went into hiding.

“Now, the fact that he did not take a telephone to make a particular call to anybody is not sufficient evidence that he did not look for a third term. It’s just a matter of style, but 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,” Bugaje said. “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”.

The third-term controversy emerged in 2006 over a constitutional amendment allowing three consecutive presidential terms, championed by Obasanjo’s allies. Strong resistance from civil society, opposition parties and some PDP members led to its rejection, paving way for Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s presidency in 2007.

Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara alleged receiving a N250 million bribe offer to support the plan, which he refused. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also claimed his rapport with legislators helped block Obasanjo’s bid.