'Obasanjo Should Not Annoy The Gods Of Our Land', Orji Kalu On State Of The Nation | Politics Today

“Obasanjo Should Not Annoy the Gods of Our Land”: Orji Kalu’s Explosive Revelations on Politics Today

In a fiery and unfiltered appearance on Politics Today, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia State and current representative of Abia North, launched a scathing critique of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing him of attempting to rewrite history regarding his alleged third-term agenda.

The interview, which aired on Channels Television, quickly gained traction for its bold claims, dramatic language, and the senator’s unapologetic tone.

Kalu’s central assertion was that Obasanjo had indeed sought a third term in office during his presidency, contrary to the former president’s recent denial in Ghana. Kalu described Obasanjo’s comments as a “naked lie” and “naked fallacy,” insisting that many prominent figures who were privy to the events are still alive and can corroborate the truth.

Among those mentioned were David Mark, Ogheha, and even the then National Security Adviser, whom Kalu claimed was aware of the plan.

The senator recounted a specific incident involving the late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, who allegedly brought ₦50 million to lobby support for the constitutional amendment that would have enabled Obasanjo’s third term. Kalu said he rejected the offer outright, telling Chukwumerije to return the money. He further claimed that Obasanjo had tried to persuade several governors, including Bola Tinubu, to back the plan, but met resistance from key figures.

Kalu’s opposition to the third-term bid, he said, led to a personal fallout with Obasanjo. He revealed that he had informed international leaders, including South African President Thabo Mbeki, U.S. President George W. Bush, and even Nelson Mandela, about Obasanjo’s intentions. 

According to Kalu, their intervention played a critical role in halting the plan. He credited the United States with standing up for democratic principles and helping to preserve Nigeria’s constitutional integrity.

The senator’s warning to Obasanjo was laced with cultural and spiritual undertones. “Let President Obasanjo not annoy the gods of our land,” Kalu declared, suggesting that the former president’s ambition was not only politically reckless but spiritually offensive. He emphasized the sanctity of term limits in a democracy, stating that any attempt to exceed the constitutionally mandated eight years was tantamount to challenging divine order.

Kalu also accused Obasanjo of persecuting political opponents who resisted the third-term agenda, including former Senate President Adolphus Wabara. He maintained that the resistance was rooted in a commitment to uphold the 1999 Constitution, which clearly stipulates a two-term limit for presidents.

Beyond the third-term controversy, Kalu touched on broader issues affecting the nation. He criticized the marginalization of the Igbo people since the end of the Nigerian Civil War, arguing that the Southeast has not been fairly treated. He called for national reconciliation and inclusive governance, warning that continued exclusion would hinder Nigeria’s progress.

The interview was a blend of political history, personal testimony, and cultural rhetoric. Kalu’s remarks have reignited debate over one of Nigeria’s most contentious political episodes and challenged the legacy of a former president who remains a towering figure in the country’s political landscape.