Bugaje Challenges Obasanjo’s Third-Term Denial, Alleges Use of Threats and Money

Former lawmaker and political activist, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has refuted ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s denial of seeking a third term in office, insisting that attempts were made to extend his tenure through pressure and inducements.

Bugaje, who was a member of the National Assembly at the time, said on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday that lawmakers directly experienced the push for a third-term amendment to the 1999 Constitution in 2006.

“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,” Bugaje said. He added that while Obasanjo may not have personally called anyone, his agents “threatened many lawmakers” and offered money to secure support.

Bugaje recalled that Senator Victor Lar, then leader of the Northern caucus of the House of Representatives, was forced into hiding at different times as lawmakers mobilised against the agenda. “Those people who 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 matter is incontrovertible,” he stressed.

The third-term controversy dominated political discourse in 2006 when proposed constitutional amendments sought to extend the maximum two terms for presidents. The plan, widely believed to have been sponsored by Obasanjo’s allies, was eventually voted down after a heated debate.

Civil society groups, opposition figures, and even members of the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party opposed the move, saying it threatened Nigeria’s democracy. Its collapse paved the way for the 2007 elections that produced the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as Obasanjo’s successor.

Obasanjo has consistently denied seeking a third term, most recently in Ghana where he dismissed the claims as baseless. Yet, several key figures have previously alleged inducements and lobbying, including former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, who said he rejected a N250 million bribe, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who credited his ties with lawmakers for stopping the plan.