How we lost 1998 Election for not bribing INEC, Police – Obasanjo
How we lost 1998 Election for not bribing INEC, Police – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost a local government election in Ogun State back in 1998 because he refused to endorse plans to bribe the police and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) personnel.
Speaking at a high-level consultation in Abeokuta on ‘Rethinking Western Liberal Democracy in Africa,’ on Monday, November 20, Obasanjo said that party leaders suggested allocating funds for the police and INEC. However, he rejected the proposal, citing his belief that these officials were already government employees receiving monthly salaries.
Recounting the incident, Obasanjo highlighted the impact of what he termed the ‘Nigerian factor’ on elections. He explained that during the first local government election, his party suffered defeat because he refused to embrace the so-called ‘Nigerian factor’ in planning.
“When things go wrong, you said the Nigerian factor. The first thing I learnt in politics was this thing called the Nigerian factor.
“In 1998, we had the first local government election. We had parties, and here in Abeokuta, we met in my office and they came up and said, ‘look, this is money for INEC, money for police.’ At a stage I said, ‘what nonsense! Is the police not being paid, and INEC too?’
“They said ‘that’s how we do it. I said ‘you cannot do that.’ So, they didn’t do that. And of course, we lost all the local governments. We lost all. And then they came to me and said, ‘Baba, you see? If you had allowed us to do it the way we used to do it, we would have won’. And I felt guilty.
“During the next election, which was the State Assembly, I just stayed in my house. I said ‘well, do whatever you want to do, I will not be part of it’. So, I didn’t even go. But, the result was the same. One of the people who got money didn’t even distribute it to where he was supposed to distribute it,” Obasanjo recounted.
Related posts:
- Before you go into marriage with any man, please taste the male organ to know if it’s standing up – Nigerian lawyer advises women
- Don’t be afraid to approach her even if she has a boyfriend – Nigerian pastor advises men as he narrates how he “snatched” his wife from her boyfriend
- CBN withdraws Cybersecurity Levy circular after FG suspension
- Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong Wins Greek League with PAOK
- Iran’s Cabinet Holds Emergency Session After President Raisi’s Death
- Iran’s President Death: I Won’t Rule Anything Out – Fani-Kayode
- Peter Obi’s Only Chance To Presidency Is 2039 – Bwala
- Suspect in possession of over $81,000 fake currency arrested by EFCC personnel
- UK Authorities Report Air Peace Over Alleged Violations Of Airport Safety Rules
- Fubara Welcomes Goodluck Jonathan, To Flag-Off Trans-Kalabari Road (Photos)
Categories: News
