Obasanjo Denies Deceiving AD Leaders in 2003, Defends Political Decisions

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly denied allegations that he deceived leaders of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) during the political realignments of 2003. In a letter addressed to former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Obasanjo dismissed Osoba's account, titled “How Obasanjo Deceived Us in 2003,” as inaccurate.

Obasanjo asserted that he never engaged in deceit throughout his political career. He explained that his return to politics followed extensive consultations with leaders from across the country after his release from prison. He specifically mentioned engaging with prominent figures from the South-west, North, and South-east before joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and seeking the presidency. Obasanjo’s philosophy, he stated, centers on promoting dialogue, friendship, and national unity, rejecting bitterness, tribal politics, or exclusion.

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I never deceived anyone in my political career.

The political landscape of Nigeria's Southwest region underwent a significant transformation in 2003. In 1999, the AD, backed by a powerful Yoruba socio-cultural group, dominated the region, winning all six governorships. However, just four years later, the party lost control of five of these states to the PDP. Among the defeated AD governors seeking re-election were Osoba in Ogun, Adebayo Adefarati in Ondo, Lam Adesina in Oyo, Bisi Akande in Osun, and Adeniyi Adebayo in Ekiti.

Accounts at the time attributed the AD's downfall to a flawed agreement with Obasanjo. The understanding was that AD governors would support Obasanjo, a Yoruba candidate, for a second presidential term, and he would reciprocate by supporting their re-election bids on the AD platform. Bola Tinubu, who later became president, was reportedly the only AD governor who did not adhere to this agreement, campaigning instead for the rejection of Obasanjo and the PDP. While the other five governors reportedly upheld their end of the bargain and subsequently lost, Tinubu secured his re-election as Lagos governor.

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My philosophy has always been to promote dialogue, friendship and national unity rather than bitterness, tribal politics or political exclusion.