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Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has addressed long-standing rumours about his alleged ambition for a third term in office, attributing the speculation to certain governors.
Speaking on News Central in an interview aired Thursday, October 24, Obasanjo firmly denied harbouring such ambitions, countering claims made by his former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, and former Senate President Ken Nnamani.
"If I had wanted a third term, I would have gotten it," Obasanjo stated, insisting he never desired an extended tenure.
According to him, several governors promoted the third-term agenda, hoping to extend their own terms if Obasanjo succeeded.
"I know some governors working for this, believing that if I, as president, got a third, they would also get it," he remarked.
READ ALSO: I could have got third term if I wanted it – Obasanjo
Obasanjo highlighted that his tenure focused on securing debt relief for Nigeria, a diplomatic feat involving France, England, Japan, and the United States.
He emphasised that this was a far more challenging task than pursuing a third term, underscoring his administration's success in achieving the relief.
Atiku, Nnamani claims against Obasanjo's alleged third-term ambition
Contradicting Obasanjo's claims, Atiku and Nnamani maintain they were instrumental in blocking his alleged third-term bid.
Atiku credits his connections in the National Assembly, which he claimed were critical in preventing the move. Nnamani also shared his experience, stating he sacrificed his senatorial ambitions to ensure the third-term agenda failed, alleging that lawmakers faced offers of cash incentives to support it.
The rift between Obasanjo and Atiku has been ongoing since they served together from 1999 to 2007, a period marked by a souring relationship after Obasanjo chose not to support Atiku's presidential ambitions.