Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has once again denied allegations of seeking a third term in office, stating that if he had wanted to extend his presidency, he would have achieved it. Speaking at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’s Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana, Obasanjo emphasized his capability to secure difficult objectives, citing his administration’s success in securing significant debt relief from France, England, Japan, and the United States.¹

“I know how to get things done,” Obasanjo said. “If I wanted a third term, I would have gotten it. There’s no Nigerian, dead or alive, who can say I called them to discuss a third term.” He contrasted the challenge of securing debt relief with pursuing a tenure extension, saying, “If I wanted to get debt relief, which is more difficult than getting a third term, and I got it, then if I wanted a third term, I would have gotten it too”.²

Leadership and Term Limits
Obasanjo also cautioned against leaders who overstay their welcome, describing the mindset of indispensability as a “sin against God”. He emphasized the importance of fresh leadership, stating, “The best is done when you’re young, ideal, vibrant, and dynamic”. Leaders who cling to power, he warned, may be replaced by someone better or worse, but the transition is inevitable.³

Strengthening Democracy
The Democracy Dialogue, themed “What Makes Democracy Die?”, brought together African leaders, scholars, and policymakers to discuss the challenges facing democracy on the continent. The event highlighted the need for electoral reforms, accountability, and inclusivity to ensure that democracy serves the people’s needs.⁴