By Idealplusgist
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed claims by former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, that he misled leaders of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) during the political negotiations ahead of the 2003 general elections.
In a letter dated July 23, 2026, titled "Reply to your inaccurate posture: 'How Obasanjo deceived us in 2003'", Obasanjo described Osoba's article published in The Legal Observer on July 20 as inaccurate, arguing that it contained several misconceptions, omissions and distorted accounts of historical events.
Responding to the allegation that he deceived Yoruba political leaders, the former President insisted he had always been transparent in his dealings and acted in what he believed was the nation's best interest.
According to Obasanjo, he never misrepresented his intentions at any stage of the political process.
"I take strong and serious objection to your calling me a deceiver because I deceived nobody. I always presented my case and all issues as I had them and as I understood them, no matter whose ox is gored," he stated.
Obasanjo further explained that many of the discussions and political developments that preceded his emergence as President in 1999 were conducted by senior figures within Afenifere and the Alliance for Democracy, making it unlikely that Osoba was aware of every detail.
Reflecting on his relationship with the late Afenifere leader, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Obasanjo recalled that despite Adesanya's firm stance that Yoruba voters would not support his presidential ambition, they maintained mutual respect throughout their engagements.
He added that his efforts to bring the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the AD into a broad-based national government were driven by a desire to promote unity and national development rather than political necessity.
The former President also challenged Osoba's version of events regarding the attempted impeachment of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na'Abba. He maintained that the impeachment moves originated from within the administration and said he dismissed the efforts because he believed he had committed no impeachable offence.
Addressing the outcome of the 2003 governorship elections, Obasanjo rejected suggestions that the Presidency orchestrated the defeat of AD governors. He maintained that the election results in five of the six South-West states reflected the will of the electorate, while noting that only one state experienced irregularities due to altered figures.
"I have never believed in tribal politics," Obasanjo said while defending his position on the elections.
Despite disagreeing with Osoba's account, Obasanjo acknowledged the former governor's contributions to Ogun State and expressed appreciation for his role in allocating the land that now houses the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.
He described the library as one of the state's most prominent landmarks and thanked Osoba for supporting the project, adding that political differences should not erase lasting relationships or gratitude.
"The greatest service you rendered for me is the land allocated by you for the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. It has become the most significant landmark in Abeokuta. Politics may end, relationships may live till life's end, there is no end to humility and thanksgiving," Obasanjo said.
Post a Comment