Tinubu Hails the 5th National Assembly for Blocking Obasanjo’s Third-Term Bid
“That move could’ve torn Nigeria apart,” says President Tinubu.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the courage of the 5th National Assembly for stopping former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term ambition in 2006.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s democracy was saved from serious damage thanks to that decision.
Speaking during a special joint session of the National Assembly on June 12, Tinubu stated that any attempt to amend the constitution to permit a third term would have thrown the nation into crisis.
“In 2006, the 5th National Assembly protected our democracy from a dangerous third-term agenda. That move would have ripped our constitution apart,” Tinubu said in Abuja.
How Lawmakers Protected Nigeria’s Democracy in 2006 and 2010
Tinubu used the Democracy Day address to reflect on past political crossroads where the National Assembly chose the path of integrity.
“You are the authors of the people’s law. I must be their faithful implementer,” he said.
“While we may not always agree, we must work together. That’s what democracy demands.”
The President highlighted how lawmakers also came through in 2010, when then-President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was too sick to lead.
The Assembly passed the Doctrine of Necessity, which made Goodluck Jonathan acting president, another move that prevented a constitutional crisis.
Tinubu Recalls Risky Stand Against Abacha’s 1993 Military Takeover
Tinubu didn’t just focus on recent history. He threw it back to the era of military dictatorship, recalling a bold moment from 1993 under General Sani Abacha.
After Abacha dissolved the National Assembly on November 17, 1993, some lawmakers risked it all to fight back.
Tinubu, alongside Senator Ameh Ebute and others, reconvened in the Old Parliament Building in Lagos, defying military orders.
“We were jailed for our defiance,” Tinubu revealed.
“But we stood up for democracy, even when it meant personal danger.”
Obasanjo’s Alleged N70 Million Bribe | Inside Senator Adeyeye’s Shocking Reveal
Earlier this year, Senator Olusola Adeyeye dropped a bombshell during a live interview on Channels TV.
He claimed that lawmakers were offered ₦70 million each to support Obasanjo’s third-term plan in 2006.
Adeyeye, a key member of the opposition at the time, explained how he was tricked into leaving the country, a strategic move to remove him from key deliberations.
“I was told to lead a parliamentary trip to China. I said no, it didn’t feel right. I wasn’t the party leader,” he said.
“But I eventually went. Then in Amsterdam, I realised it was a setup to keep me away from the real battle.”
Despite heavy pressure and massive financial incentives, many lawmakers rejected the offer, proving that not all legislators can be bought.
What Tinubu’s June 12 Speech Means for Nigeria’s Democracy
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In 2006, the 5th National Assembly stopped a third-term push by President Obasanjo.
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President Tinubu commended this historic decision during his 2025 Democracy Day address.
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He also referenced 2010, when the Assembly upheld democratic principles by recognizing Jonathan as Acting President.
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Tinubu recalled risking arrest in 1993 when he and others defied General Abacha’s dissolution of the legislature.
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Meanwhile, Senator Adeyeye alleged that bribes were offered to lawmakers in 2006 to support the third term, with each receiving ₦70 million.
