Obasanjo rejects Osoba's claims of 2003 Nigeria election deceit

• Former President Olusegun Obasanjo rejected claims by Aremo Olusegun Osoba that he deceived leaders of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) during the 2003 general election.
• Obasanjo maintained that his political engagements were guided by openness and national interest, and that he never misled anyone in the processes leading up to the election.
• The exchange between Obasanjo and Osoba highlights the ongoing debate over the legitimacy of the 2003 Nigerian general election.

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.

A public exchange between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Aremo Olusegun Osoba has reignited the controversy surrounding the 2003 Nigerian general election. The dispute centers on allegations made by Osoba that Obasanjo deceived leaders of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) during the political realignments preceding the election. In a strongly worded letter, Obasanjo rejected these claims, stating that he had held wide consultations to consolidate on the success of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The former President maintained that his political engagements were guided by openness and national interest, and that he never misled anyone in the processes leading up to the election. Obasanjo's response was prompted by Osoba's account, published in The Legal Observer, which described the events as 'farfetched' and riddled with inaccuracies, omissions, and misconceptions.

The exchange between Obasanjo and Osoba highlights the ongoing debate over the legitimacy of the 2003 Nigerian general election. This controversy may have implications for future electoral reforms in the country. The dispute centers on the role of the Presidency in the electoral process, with Osoba alleging that the defeat of AD governors was due to political manipulation by the Presidency. Obasanjo countered that the electoral outcome reflected the political realities at the time. He maintained that his decision to invite the AD into a broad-based national government after winning the presidency was motivated by a desire to promote national unity rather than political weakness. This move, according to Obasanjo, was not out of weakness but out of strength and for the unity and progress of the country.

The exchange between Obasanjo and Osoba has significant implications for Nigerian politics and governance. The controversy surrounding the 2003 election highlights the need for electoral reforms in the country. The dispute also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in political processes. As a former President, Obasanjo's response to Osoba's allegations is particularly noteworthy, as it sheds light on his role in shaping Nigeria's democratic institutions. The exchange between these two prominent figures serves as a reminder that the legacy of the 2003 election continues to shape Nigerian politics today.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note that this exchange highlights the ongoing debate over the legitimacy of the 2003 Nigerian general election, which may impact future electoral reforms in the country.

Source: Original reporting via This Day