Laolu Akande, who once served as the spokesperson for former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, recently asserted that former President Olusegun Obasanjo played a pivotal role in militarizing Nigeria’s political landscape.
Akande highlighted that Obasanjo himself referred to the 2003 and 2007 elections as a form of warfare.
This statement came as a rebuttal to Obasanjo’s denial of any intention to pursue a third presidential term, a claim that has been widely disputed.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, Akande urged Obasanjo to cease attempts at distorting historical facts, emphasizing that the former president actively sought a third term.
He explained, “It is crucial to recognize that Obasanjo is the only Nigerian president who infused a military tone into the nation’s politics. For example, he labeled the 2003 and 2007 elections as battles. Moreover, the 2007 election, which occurred under his administration, resulted in a president who openly acknowledged the need for electoral reforms.”
Akande further elaborated on Obasanjo’s tactics, stating, “Obasanjo understands the power of his influential platform and uses it to amplify his voice, fully aware that his critics lack a comparable reach. This is why it is essential to challenge his efforts to rewrite Nigeria’s political history, especially regarding the 2005 third-term agenda.”
“Obasanjo claims he never desired a third term, but more troubling is his admission that he could have secured it if he had wished,” Akande added.
He reminded the public that several credible figures have testified about Obasanjo’s third-term ambitions.
“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senator Adolphus Wabara, and Professor Shola Adeyeye have all provided accounts confirming Obasanjo’s pursuit of a third term,” Akande noted.
He continued, “These testimonies, along with the nation’s collective memory, make it impossible for Obasanjo to deny what transpired. Atiku Abubakar has openly discussed Obasanjo’s deep involvement in the third-term campaign. Senator Wabara revealed he was offered a bribe of 250 million naira to support the bid, while Professor Adeyeye recounted attempts to bribe legislators from his state, with some reportedly accepting around 50 million naira.”
Akande also mentioned that Dr. Usman Bugaje has publicly responded to Obasanjo, affirming the former president’s third-term intentions.
He concluded, “As Nigerians, we must continue to resist any attempts by Obasanjo to manipulate our historical narrative. It is clear that he sought a third term, actively campaigned for it, and that the Nigerian people ultimately rejected it.”
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