Oshiomhole Reveals How Olusegun Obasanjo’s Third-Term Agenda Was Crushed

According to Ireporter Online, former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has alleged that former President Olusegun Obasanjo once pursued an ambitious third-term agenda that, if successful, could have extended his stay in office into what he described as a life presidency.

Oshiomhole claimed that the plan was ultimately halted by the firm stance of the National Assembly leadership under Senator Ken Nnamani, who resisted intense pressure despite belonging to the same political party as the former president. He argued that the legislature played a decisive role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy by rejecting constitutional amendments that would have enabled the extension of Obasanjo’s tenure.

Speaking at a lecture in Akure, Ondo State, titled “June 12 and Beyond: Reflecting on the Progress of Democracy and Security Concerns,” held as part of the 2026 June 12 commemoration, Oshiomhole noted that the Senate leadership ensured the proceedings on the proposed third-term agenda were televised, allowing Nigerians to witness and hold lawmakers accountable for their decisions.

He further stated that history would remember those who stood against the proposal, insisting that the courage displayed by the National Assembly leadership preserved democratic principles in the country.

Oshiomhole also recounted his involvement in the struggle for democracy following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, revealing that he was part of a Nigeria Labour Congress delegation that met the then military ruler, General Sani Abacha, in Abuja.

He alleged that Abacha expressed willingness to accommodate various demands but rejected any notion of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola declaring himself President of Nigeria.

According to him, Abiola remained steadfast throughout the political crisis, refusing to renounce his electoral mandate despite repeated appeals from government representatives and intermediaries who offered him freedom in exchange for compromise.

Oshiomhole maintained that Abiola’s position was rooted in his belief that millions of Nigerians who voted for him deserved respect, adding that he could not trade their mandate for personal liberty or comfort.