Obasanjo Responds to Osoba's 2003 Election Claims, Denies Deceiving AD Governors

Obasanjo Responds to Osoba's 2003 Election Claims, Denies Deceiving AD Governors

Obasanjo Responds to Osoba's 2003 Election Claims, Denies Deceiving AD Governors

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has responded to former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba's claims about the 2003 elections, denying allegations that he deceived Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors and offering his own account of the political events.

Introduction

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has publicly responded to allegations made by former Ogun State Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, rejecting claims that he deceived the Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors and Afenifere leaders during political negotiations leading up to the 2003 general elections.

In a lengthy letter dated July 23, 2026, Obasanjo described Osoba's account as inaccurate and incomplete, insisting that he never misled political allies or opponents. Instead, he argued that his political philosophy has always been rooted in dialogue, national unity and inclusive governance.

The response follows the publication of Osoba's memoir, in which the former governor alleged that Obasanjo secured the support of AD leaders with promises of restructuring, fiscal federalism and constitutional reforms that were never implemented after his re-election.

The exchange has reignited public interest in one of the most significant political moments in Nigeria's Fourth Republic.

Obasanjo Rejects Allegation of Deception

At the heart of Obasanjo's response is a firm rejection of the accusation that he deceived the AD governors.

He stated that throughout his political career, he had always presented issues honestly as he understood them and never deliberately misled anyone.

According to him, political disagreements should not be interpreted as dishonesty, adding that many of the discussions referred to by Osoba involved senior Afenifere leaders rather than the governors themselves.

Obasanjo maintained that different political actors often viewed the same events from different perspectives, but insisted that labeling him a "deceiver" was unjustified.

His Journey Back Into Politics

The former president also reflected on the period after his release from prison.

According to Obasanjo, he initially had no immediate intention of returning to active politics because he was focused on personal and family matters.

However, he said delegations from across Nigeria visited him at his Ota Farm, encouraging him to contest for the presidency.

He recalled consulting respected political leaders from the South-West, North and South-East before deciding to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Obasanjo explained that those consultations convinced him that he could contribute to national stability and democratic development.

Why He Reached Out to Opposition Leaders

Responding to Osoba's suggestion that he sought support because of political weakness, Obasanjo offered a different explanation.

He said engaging with opposition parties was part of his long-standing belief that democracy should encourage cooperation rather than permanent hostility.

According to him, reaching out to governors elected under different political parties reflected his commitment to national unity.

He argued that dialogue across party lines was essential for strengthening Nigeria's democracy and should never be mistaken for desperation.

Relationship With Afenifere

Obasanjo also discussed his interactions with Afenifere leaders before and after the 1999 elections.

He recalled visiting the late Chief Abraham Adesanya on several occasions despite knowing that many Afenifere leaders opposed his presidential ambition.

According to Obasanjo, although political differences remained, he continued to show respect to Yoruba elders and believed disagreements should never become personal.

He said politics should focus on ideas, policies and service to the people rather than bitterness.

His View on National Politics

One of the recurring themes in Obasanjo's letter is his belief that Nigeria's politics should transcend ethnic and regional interests.

He argued that while regional organisations have an important role to play, national leadership should focus on serving every Nigerian equally.

Obasanjo recalled rejecting suggestions that he should see himself primarily as a "Yoruba President," insisting instead that he viewed himself as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to him, reducing national leadership to ethnic identity would undermine national unity.

Claims About the 2003 Political Environment

The former president also disputed Osoba's description of the political atmosphere before the 2003 elections.

He argued that his administration was politically strong, pointing out that the PDP controlled the majority of state governments and enjoyed broad national support.

Because of that, he questioned suggestions that he needed the support of only six AD governors to secure his political future.

Instead, he said his outreach formed part of a broader strategy of national reconciliation and inclusive governance.

Allegations Against His Former Vice President

Perhaps the most controversial section of Obasanjo's response concerns his former Vice President.

The former president alleged that his deputy worked with political allies in an attempt to remove him from office through impeachment during his first term.

According to Obasanjo, intelligence reports informed him about the alleged activities, including efforts to build political support against his administration.

He also claimed that after the impeachment effort failed, another political strategy allegedly emerged involving some South-West political figures.

These claims represent Obasanjo's account of events and have not been independently verified.

Obasanjo's Version of the AD Governors' Political Strategy

Obasanjo further alleged that a political understanding was proposed involving the six AD governors ahead of the 2003 elections.

According to him, the idea was that the governors would avoid major political competition before eventually supporting his Vice President's future presidential ambition.

He claimed that he was neither consulted nor involved in such discussions and rejected suggestions that he endorsed any arrangement of that nature.

Again, these assertions are part of Obasanjo's response and remain matters of political debate.

On the 2003 Elections

The former president also defended the outcome of the 2003 elections.

He argued that the Peoples Democratic Party conducted an energetic and effective campaign throughout the South-West.

According to him, the election results reflected voter decisions rather than political manipulation.

However, he acknowledged that there had long been public discussions surrounding the Lagos governorship election and noted that reports available to him at the time raised concerns about that contest.

Praise for Osoba Despite Their Differences

Despite the strong criticism contained in his letter, Obasanjo concluded by acknowledging Osoba's contributions to Ogun State.

He specifically thanked the former governor for allocating the land that later became the site of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

The former president described the library as a significant landmark and expressed appreciation for Osoba's support in making the project possible.

He also encouraged the former governor to embrace reconciliation, humility and gratitude, stressing that political disagreements should not destroy lifelong relationships.

Why This Exchange Matters

The public exchange between two of Ogun State's most prominent political figures has attracted national attention because it revisits events that influenced Nigeria's democratic development.

The contrasting narratives highlight differing interpretations of political negotiations, party alliances and leadership decisions during one of the country's most important election cycles.

The debate also reflects continuing national conversations about restructuring, constitutional reform, federalism, democratic accountability and political trust.

For students of Nigerian politics, the letters from Osoba and Obasanjo provide valuable historical perspectives that may shape future discussions about governance and democracy.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has firmly rejected allegations by former Governor Olusegun Osoba that he deceived the Alliance for Democracy and Afenifere leaders before the 2003 general elections.

While Osoba argues that promises made during political negotiations were not fulfilled, Obasanjo insists his actions were guided by national interest, dialogue and inclusive governance.

As both leaders continue to present differing accounts of one of Nigeria's most significant political moments, historians, political analysts and citizens are likely to continue examining the events surrounding the 2003 elections.

The exchange serves as a reminder that democratic history is often shaped by competing narratives, making open discussion and careful examination of historical records essential.

 (FAQs)

Why did Obasanjo respond to Osoba?

He responded after Osoba alleged in his memoir that he deceived AD governors and Afenifere leaders during negotiations ahead of the 2003 elections.

Did Obasanjo admit deceiving the AD governors?

No. He strongly denied the allegation and said his political engagements were based on dialogue and national unity.

What major issue did Obasanjo raise in his response?

He rejected Osoba's version of events and also made claims about political tensions within his administration and the events surrounding the 2003 elections.

Are the claims independently verified?

The statements in both Osoba's memoir and Obasanjo's reply reflect their respective accounts. They remain matters of public and historical debate.

>>>> What is your view on the exchange between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Governor Olusegun Osoba? Do you think their differing accounts provide new insights into Nigeria's political history?

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