Former President Goodluck Jonathan has affirmed that former Nigerian leader, Olusegun Obasanjo actually plotted for a third term in office against its denial but was unsuccessful.
President Goodluck Jonathan
Nigeria’s immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan in Washington DC faulted former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s claim that he did not actually push a third term bid according to the Guardian.
Jonathan claimed Obasanjo took desperate measures to retain the presidential seat for a third term as against the provisions of the 1999 constitution. He made the statements as a guest at the U.S National Democratic Institute (NDI) in the United States on Wednesday.
He attributed the blatant failure of Obasanjo's unconstitutional political ambitions to the resilience of the National Assembly at the time (between 2006 and 2007).
Jonathan said, “Of course, I was a governor at that time, but due to strong resistance from the National Assembly, the third term bid failed.”
According to Jonathan, Africa needs strong parliaments to checkmate sit-tight presidents who influence parliaments to consider amendment to the constitution that would extend their stay in office.
“Changing constitutions to eliminate term limits in order to favour incumbents is inconsistent with democratic principles and reduces confidence in democratic institutions.”
He however warned that repressive actions by some of these leaders is setting “a disturbing precedent for the region and continent.