Political activist and former federal lawmaker, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has disputed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s denial of seeking a third term in office, asserting that intimidation and financial inducements were used to pursue the bid.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, September 22, Bugaje said lawmakers at the time had first-hand knowledge of the scheme.
“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,” he said.
Bugaje dismissed Obasanjo’s claim that he did not explicitly request a third term by phone, saying it did not negate the attempts.
“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 explained.
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He also recounted instances of intimidation, citing Senator Victor Lar, then leader of the Northern caucus of the House of Representatives, who was forced into hiding before a critical meeting resisting the third-term agenda.
“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,” Bugaje said.
The third-term controversy emerged in 2006 when an amendment to the 1999 Constitution, allowing presidents to seek three consecutive terms, was proposed.
The move, widely linked to Obasanjo’s allies, was eventually rejected after widespread opposition from civil society, lawmakers, and members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.
Bugaje’s account aligns with prior claims by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, who revealed he rejected a N250 million bribe tied to the amendment, and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who said his relationship with National Assembly members helped block Obasanjo’s third-term bid.