Obasanjo Denies Interference in Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Election
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has denied allegations that he is planning to interfere in Nigeria’s 2023 elections. According to recent publications, it was claimed that Obasanjo wrote a letter to the United Kingdom asking them to stay away from the polls and allow Nigerians to decide the outcome of the election. The former Head of State also allegedly warned the UK authorities against interfering in the election and stated that it would not be “business as usual.”
Obasanjo allegedly recalled that in 2002, the British government had attempted to remove him from power. He also reportedly claimed that the European nation had wanted to install a Fulani man whom they could control, but he overpowered them. Additionally, Obasanjo allegedly told the UK that the problems Nigeria is currently facing is a result of the Fulani man they had placed in power.
A statement released by his media aide, Kedinde Akinyemi, on Thursday night denied the existence of the letter in question. The statement read, “The trending story on the alleged plan by the former President to collude with the electoral body in the Presidential election of February 25 is completely false.”
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The spokesperson added that apart from the January 1 letter to youths and the other to Prof. Toyin Falola on his 70th birthday, “there has been no other public or private letter written to anybody.” The statement also reminded the public that only statements or letters that have been signed by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo or by his Media Assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, should be considered valid. The statement further added that “If need be, necessary checks can be made to confirm the authenticity of such documents before publication to avoid any embarrassment.”
It is important to note that the 2023 Presidential election in Nigeria is a significant event, and any interference or attempts to influence the outcome can have far-reaching consequences. The allegations against Obasanjo, if true, would be a major concern for the integrity of the electoral process. However, Obasanjo has categorically denied the allegations through his media aide and the public should wait for further clarification before jumping to any conclusions.
Obasanjo served as the President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 and is widely considered as one of the country’s most influential political figures. Since leaving office, he has been active in public life and has been vocal on various issues affecting the country.
It is also important to note that the UK has a long history of involvement in Nigeria’s political affairs, dating back to the colonial era. The UK has been accused of meddling in Nigerian politics in the past, particularly during the country’s military dictatorship. Obasanjo was a military ruler from 1976 to 1979 before he was overthrown and imprisoned for many years. The UK has been involved in several peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in Nigeria and also has a strong economic relationship with the country.
