Orji Kalu added that Obasanjo called him to the Presidential Villa and intimated him about his ambition.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Abia State governor, Orji Kalu, has said former President, Olusegun Obasanjo lied when he denied seeking a third term as president.
He made this known on Wednesday while featuring as a guest on Channels Television programme, ‘Politics Today’.
Obasanjo recently broke his silence on long-standing allegations of seeking a third term in office, firmly denying the claims.
He refuted the allegations during a candid session at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Annual Democracy Dialogue. Held in Accra, Ghana.
Addressing the rumours head-on, the former military ruler asserted that he never pursued an extension beyond his two terms (1999–2007), comparing it to his successful push for Nigeria’s debt relief, which he described as a far tougher feat.
Reacting to his rebuttal, Kalu insisted that the former President’s recent claim that he never wanted a third term in office was a lie.
He added that Obasanjo called him to the Presidential Villa and intimated him about the ambition.
Speaking during his interview, the federal lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District said, “What Obasanjo said in Ghana, that he never wanted a third term, was a lie.”
Kalu added, “He called me to the Villa and told me he wanted a third term, and I told him no.
“That’s why he started having issues with me. We stopped him with the help of former US President Bush.”
