Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Accuses Obasanjo of Secretly Seeking Third Term

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has openly challenged former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent remarks in Ghana, where Obasanjo insisted he never attempted to pursue a third term in office. According to Kalu, the former president’s denial is untrue and contradicts private conversations they had during Obasanjo’s time in power.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu said that Obasanjo personally invited him to the Presidential Villa to solicit support for a third term agenda. Kalu explained that he refused the request outright, a decision he believes marked the beginning of a rift between himself and Obasanjo.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu emphasized that it was not only domestic political figures but also international pressure that prevented Obasanjo from extending his tenure. He asserted that the resistance he and others mounted was instrumental in stopping the third term plan from advancing.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Recalls U.S. Involvement

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu further disclosed that the administration of former U.S. President George W. Bush played a decisive role in stopping Obasanjo’s alleged bid. He noted that the United States viewed the attempt as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation and applied diplomatic pressure to ensure the plan did not succeed.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu highlighted that Washington’s involvement strengthened the hands of Nigerian political leaders who were already resisting the move. According to him, without such external intervention, Obasanjo’s agenda could have gained momentum.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu said the combined domestic and international opposition ensured that Nigeria did not slide into constitutional crisis. He insisted that history should not be rewritten to suggest there was never a plan for tenure elongation.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Defends His Opposition Role

Senator Orji Uzormaintained that his firm stance against Obasanjo’s plan was driven by principle and loyalty to Nigeria’s democratic order. He described the decision as one that carried political risks but was necessary to safeguard the country’s future.

Senator Orji Uzor explained that his refusal to support the third term bid came at a personal cost, straining his relationship with Obasanjo and altering the political trajectory of his career. He said this fallout explains why he was often targeted during that administration.

Senator Orji Uzor concluded that Nigerians must remember the events accurately, stressing that Obasanjo’s recent denial does not erase what transpired behind closed doors. He warned that attempts to rewrite history could mislead younger generations about the struggles that preserved term limits in Nigeria.