Obasanjo rejects Osoba’s alleged deceit claim, defends 2003 political decisions

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has firmly rejected allegations by former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba that he deceived Alliance for Democracy (AD) leaders during the 2003 political realignments. In a letter dated July 23, 2026, Obasanjo addressed Osoba's article titled “How Obasanjo Deceived Us in 2003,” dismissing it as inaccurate and filled with omissions and misconceptions. He emphasized that he never engaged in deception and that his political actions were always transparent and aligned with national interests. Obasanjo recounted that his return to politics followed extensive consultations with leaders from different regions of Nigeria after his release from prison. He stated that he sought input from prominent figures in the South-west, the North, and the South-east before joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and running for the presidency. His approach, he explained, was rooted in promoting dialogue, friendship, and national unity over divisive tribal politics or exclusionary practices. The Alliance for Democracy, a party backed by the influential Yoruba socio-cultural organization Afenifere, held significant sway in South-western Nigeria when the nation transitioned back to civilian rule in 1999. The AD secured governorships in all six states of the region, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Lagos, and Oyo, in the early years of democracy. However, this dominance began to wane just four years later, as the party lost control of five of the six states in the 2003 governorship elections. Former Governor Osoba, seeking a second term, was defeated in Ogun, while other AD governors, including the late Adebayo Adefarati of Ondo, Lam Adesina of Oyo, Bisi Akande of Osun, and Adeniyi Adebayo of Ekiti, also fell to the ruling PDP. Only Bola Tinubu, who later became president, retained his position as Lagos governor. Accounts suggest that the AD’s decline was linked to an informal agreement between AD governors and Obasanjo. According to these accounts, the AD governors agreed to support Obasanjo’s bid for a second presidential term in exchange for his backing of their re-elections. However, this arrangement reportedly unraveled when Tinubu chose to oppose Obasanjo, urging voters to reject him and support the AD across all elections in Lagos. While five AD governors adhered to the pact, Obasanjo allegedly failed to reciprocate, resulting in their electoral losses and the PDP’s rise in the region. In response, Obasanjo denied claims that he sought the support of six AD governors to secure political survival, asserting that such claims were unrealistic given the PDP’s numerical strength. He further refuted allegations that he accepted political conditions from Afenifere leaders prior to taking office, stating that no group dictated government policy under his administration. He criticized Afenifere for engaging in narrow ethnic politics, arguing that effective national leadership required broader political engagement beyond regional interests. Obasanjo also expressed sympathy for certain Afenifere leaders who passed away with regrets over their relationship with him, including Chief Gani Daudu, Chief Abraham Adesanya, and Chief Ayo Adebanjo. He recalled maintaining close ties with these individuals even as they publicly opposed his candidacy. He reiterated that forming a coalition with the PDP and AD was a strategic move aimed at fostering national unity rather than a sign of political weakness. Despite the tensions, Obasanjo acknowledged Osoba’s contributions to Ogun State and praised his role in facilitating the establishment of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta. He highlighted the significance of the land Osoba donated for the library, noting its status as a key landmark in the city. Obasanjo concluded his letter by expressing gratitude for Osoba’s support and emphasizing the enduring nature of personal relationships, even amid political differences.