“I Have No Apology for Stopping Obasanjo’s Third-Term Bid” – Atiku Defends Role in 2006 Political Battle

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he has no regrets over his role in opposing the controversial attempt to amend Nigeria’s Constitution to allow former President Olusegun Obasanjo seek a third term in office.

Speaking during a recent public engagement, Atiku maintained that resisting the proposed constitutional amendment remains one of the most important decisions of his political career, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy would have suffered a major setback if the plan had succeeded.

The former vice president said he would make the same decision again if presented with similar circumstances, stressing that protecting democratic principles must always take precedence over personal or political interests.

“I have no apology for stopping the third-term agenda,” Atiku stated, adding that his actions were guided by his belief in constitutional democracy and the peaceful transfer of power.

The controversial third-term proposal dominated Nigeria’s political landscape in 2006, during the second term of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

At the time, efforts to amend the Constitution sparked intense debate across the country, with supporters arguing that continuity in leadership would benefit national development, while critics insisted that altering presidential term limits threatened democratic governance.

The proposal eventually failed after the National Assembly rejected the constitutional amendment, bringing an end to months of political tension and nationwide discussions.

Atiku, who served as Vice President under Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, was widely regarded as one of the prominent political figures who opposed the proposed amendment.

His opposition reportedly deepened the political rift between both leaders, transforming what had once been a close political partnership into one of the country’s most notable rivalries.

Reflecting on that period, Atiku said defending constitutional order was more important than preserving political alliances.

According to him, leadership should always respect the limits established by the Constitution, noting that democratic institutions become stronger when leaders willingly submit to the rule of law.

The former presidential candidate argued that Nigeria’s democratic progress has largely been sustained because successive administrations have respected constitutional term limits since the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999.

He further emphasised that no individual should be considered indispensable in a democracy, insisting that leadership renewal remains essential for national development.

Atiku also encouraged Nigerians to remain vigilant in protecting democratic institutions, warning that constitutional principles should never be compromised for political convenience.

According to him, the responsibility of safeguarding democracy belongs not only to elected officials but also to citizens who must continue holding leaders accountable.

His remarks have generated fresh conversations among political observers, with many revisiting one of the most defining moments in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Supporters praised his position, arguing that resistance to the third-term proposal helped strengthen democratic governance and reinforced the principle of regular leadership transition.

Others, however, maintained differing views regarding the political events surrounding the constitutional amendment, noting that the debate remains one of the most significant chapters in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Political analysts say Atiku’s latest comments are likely to reignite discussions about the legacy of the failed third-term campaign and its impact on Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

Many observers believe the events of 2006 continue to influence contemporary political discourse, particularly on issues relating to constitutional amendments, separation of powers and presidential succession.

As Nigeria continues to consolidate its democratic institutions, Atiku’s renewed defence of his role in opposing the third-term agenda serves as another reminder of the political battles that have shaped the country’s democratic journey over the past two decades.