Obasanjo Refutes Osoba's Claims on 2003 Election Deception

In a letter dated July 23, 2026, Olusegun Obasanjo addressed allegations made by Olusegun Osoba, who claimed that Obasanjo deceived Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors and Afenifere leaders during the political negotiations leading up to the 2003 elections. Obasanjo described Osoba's account as "farfetched" and filled with inaccuracies.

He firmly rejected the idea that he sought political assistance from the six South-West AD governors or that they could dictate terms to him as a sitting President. Obasanjo stated that it was implausible for six governors to dictate to a President supported by the Federal Executive Council, the National Assembly, and a majority of governors.

He asserted that while he listened to political stakeholders, he never accepted dictation. Furthermore, Obasanjo defended his outreach to opposition leaders after taking office in 1999, stating that it was a move for national unity and not a sign of weakness.