Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has alleged that former President Olusegun Obasanjo harboured ambitions beyond a third term in office, claiming the former leader sought to remain in power indefinitely.
According to Oshiomhole, the National Assembly under the leadership of former Senate President Ken Nnamani played a crucial role in preventing what he described as an attempt to alter Nigeria’s democratic trajectory through constitutional amendments that would have enabled Obasanjo to seek a third presidential term.
Speaking in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a lecture titled “June 12 and Beyond: Reflecting on the Progress of Democracy and Security Concerns” as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Oshiomhole praised Nnamani for resisting pressure from the presidency despite belonging to the same political party as Obasanjo.
He noted that the Senate leadership at the time ensured transparency by allowing legislative proceedings on the controversial constitutional amendment to be broadcast live, making lawmakers accountable to the public for their positions.
Oshiomhole said Nnamani’s stance helped preserve democratic principles and prevented the emergence of a prolonged presidency similar to those seen in some African countries.
“By standing firm and resisting pressure to support a third-term agenda, which could have paved the way for life presidency, Ken Nnamani earned a place in Nigeria’s democratic history,” Oshiomhole stated.
He further argued that the National Assembly deserved recognition for defending democratic governance during one of the nation’s most politically sensitive periods.
In the same lecture, Oshiomhole recounted events surrounding the aftermath of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, claiming that former military ruler General Sani Abacha was willing to offer Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola significant concessions if he abandoned his claim to the presidential mandate.
The senator said he was among members of a Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) delegation that met Abacha in Abuja after the disputed election.
According to Oshiomhole, Abacha indicated a willingness to accommodate Abiola in various ways but remained unwilling to accept his declaration as the rightful president following the election.
He recalled that several efforts were made by government officials and intermediaries to persuade Abiola to renounce his claim in exchange for his freedom, but the late politician remained unwavering.
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Oshiomhole said Abiola consistently maintained that he had been elected by Nigerians and could not betray the trust reposed in him by surrendering the mandate.
He added that Abiola viewed the votes cast by ordinary Nigerians—including traders, farmers, workers and students—as a sacred trust that could not be exchanged for personal gain or freedom.
According to Oshiomhole, Abiola’s refusal to compromise demonstrated his commitment to the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people and cemented his place as a symbol of the June 12 struggle.
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