Obasanjo misled Nigerians, he aimed for third term – Orji Kalu

Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of lying about his alleged stance on a third term in office.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Kalu rejected Obasanjo’s recent claim that he never sought a third term. He asserted that during that period, Obasanjo personally called him to the Presidential Villa to disclose his third-term ambition.

Former President Obasanjo had broken his silence on long-standing allegations of seeking a third term in office, firmly denying the claims.

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He made the denial during a candid session at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Annual Democracy Dialogue. Held in Accra, Ghana.

Addressing the rumours head-on, Obasanjo asserted that he never pursued an extension beyond his two terms (1999–2007), comparing it to his successful push for Nigeria’s debt relief, which he described as a far tougher feat.

“What Obasanjo said in Ghana, that he never wanted a third term, was a lie,” Orji Kalu said.

“He called me to the Villa and told me he wanted a third term, and I told him no.

“That’s why he started having issues with me. We stopped him with the help of former US President Bush.”