Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed long-standing claims that he attempted to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally allowed two terms.
Obasanjo made this known at the Democracy Dialogue organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Ghana, insisting there was never a time he pursued a third term.
He said if he had truly wanted another term, he would have succeeded, noting that his administration achieved the more difficult task of securing debt relief for Nigeria.
The former president also cautioned African leaders against clinging to power, stressing that leadership is best offered when one is young, vibrant, and dynamic, not when they become old and frail.
He warned that believing oneself to be indispensable is not only misguided but a sin against God.
The third-term debate dates back to 2006, when speculations arose over an alleged plan to amend the constitution to allow Obasanjo seek another tenure. The proposal was eventually rejected by the National Assembly after strong public opposition.
