Nigeria: Completing Obasanjo's Legacy

Abstract

As president of Nigeria since 1999, former general Olusegun Obasanjo has burnished his legacy of engagement in two transitions from military dictatorship to constitutional government by affirming his resolute opposition to militarism as a form of government. In 2005, however, a shadow descended on the president's legacy of dedication to democracy. He evidently favored consideration of a constitutional amendment that would have allowed him to seek a third term despite widespread public disapproval of any such maneuver. By graciously accepting the defeat of the amendment, Obasanjo has solidified his contribution to Nigerian democracy, but much remains to be done.