Kalu Accuses Obasanjo of Lying About Third Term Bid

By Nkem Anyata-Lafia

The Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of lying about his alleged third term agenda.

Kalu, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, dismissed Obasanjo’s recent claim that he never sought to extend his tenure beyond the constitutional two terms.

According to the lawmaker, Obasanjo personally informed him of his third term ambition at the Presidential Villa during his administration.

Former President Obasanjo had recently addressed the long-debated allegation during a session at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Annual Democracy Dialogue held in Accra, Ghana, where he categorically denied ever seeking a third term in office.

Obasanjo maintained that he never pursued an extension beyond his 1999–2007 tenure, likening the rumour to his successful effort in securing Nigeria’s debt relief — which he said was a far greater challenge.

However, Kalu insisted otherwise, saying: “What Obasanjo said in Ghana, that he never wanted a third term, was a lie. 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.”