Obasanjo rejects Osoba’s 2003 ‘deception’ claim, defends political strategy
Obasanjo Responds to Osoba’s Allegations of Deception During 2003 Elections
By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has refuted claims made by former Ogun State Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, asserting that he did not mislead members of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) during the political realignments leading up to the 2003 general elections. In a letter dated July 23, 2026, Obasanjo labeled Osoba’s assertions as “far-fetched” and filled with inaccuracies.
Osoba’s comments, published in The Legal Observer on July 20, suggested that Obasanjo deceived Yoruba political leaders during that period. In his response, Obasanjo emphasized that his political actions have consistently been informed by transparency and a commitment to the national interest.
“I take strong and serious objection to your calling me a deceiver because I deceived nobody,” Obasanjo wrote, asserting that he has always presented issues candidly, regardless of potential political fallout.
The former President pointed out that many key political developments prior to his emergence as President in 1999 were managed by senior associates from Afenifere and the AD, which he argued placed Osoba at a disadvantage in understanding the context.
He detailed that following his release from prison, various groups across the country encouraged him to pursue the presidency. This included consultations with notable figures such as Lawan Katsina, the late Chief S.M. Afolabi, and Chief Martins Kuye, which ultimately led him to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Obasanjo also recounted his interactions with the late Afenifere leader, Chief Abraham Adesanya, noting that he maintained cordial relations despite being informed that Yoruba voters would allegedly not support him.
“Yet Papa stood on no vote for me, and I stood on my respect and what was due to him,” Obasanjo stated.
In defense of his strategy following the elections, Obasanjo asserted that his invitation to the AD to join a national government was motivated by a vision for unity rather than a sign of weakness.
He challenged Osoba’s claims regarding the attempted impeachment of then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, suggesting that the initiative originated from his Vice President, who was simultaneously pursuing his own presidential ambitions.
“The game continued to be played on with me treating it with contempt as I had committed no impeachable offense,” Obasanjo wrote.
Addressing the 2003 elections, Obasanjo countered Osoba’s assertion that the defeat of AD governors was due to manipulation by the Presidency, affirming that the results accurately reflected the political landscape at the time.
“Your loss or defeat in 2003 was genuine in all the six states except the one where the figures were successfully and murderously changed,” he remarked.
He also accused certain AD leaders of participating in an anti-democratic arrangement allegedly fostered by his Vice President, while stressing his rejection of ethnic politics.
“I have never believed in tribal politics,” Obasanjo declared.
While rebutting Osoba’s interpretations, Obasanjo acknowledged the former governor’s significant contributions to Ogun State and the establishment of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta. He lauded Osoba for allocating the land for the library, which he described as a landmark project for the state.
“The greatest service you rendered for me and for Abeokuta is the land allocated by you for Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. It has become the most significant landmark in Abeokuta,” he stated.
In closing, Obasanjo urged Osoba to practice humility and maintain political relationships, emphasizing that personal bonds should outlast political differences.
“Politics may end, relationships may live till life’s end… there is no end to humility and thanksgiving,” he concluded.
