Jonathan wants to win by hook or crook, says OBJ

Olusegun Obasanjo, former Nigerian president, has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of planning to plunge the country into crisis if he loses the forthcoming general election.

Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta on Saturday, Obasanjo compared Jonathan to Laurent Gbago, former president of Ivory Coast, who was disgraced out of office for refusing to concede defeat after losing election.

He condemned the postponement of the poll, describing it as a sad development for the country’s democracy.

“President Jonathan has a grand plan to ensure that he wins the election by hook or crook and if he loses, he scuttles it and brings chaos and confusion in the whole country,” he said.

“He is trying to play Gbagbo, who postponed election in his country until he saw that he would win. When election finally held, it was inconclusive and he refused to hand over after losing the run-off.”

Obasanjo, who had just returned to the country after travelling two weeks ago to launch My Watch, his controversial autobiography, in different countries, alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was forced to extend the election by six weeks.

“People started asking me questions from different part of the world and I decided not to issue any statement until I get back home,” he said.

“It was alleged that the security chiefs were unable to provide security and as a result, Jega postponed it in accordance with the dictate of the so-called security chiefs.”

On Tuesday, Obasanjo publicly declared support for Muhammadu Buhari, Jonathan’s main opponent in the election, but later recanted, saying he was yet to make up his mind on whom to support.

He, however, directed veiled criticism at Jonathan.

“There are millions who can run the affairs of Nigeria who are not even coming out. So why should you die on behalf of one who is probably performing as a mediocre? What the hell are we talking about?” he asked

“If you love Nigeria, you would look for the best for Nigeria and I don’t believe that at this point in time we have the best for Nigeria.”

However, the manner in which he spoke on Saturday appeared as if the former president had already made up his mind.

“I believe General Buhari will fight corruption; he will give firm leadership. When he was there before, he was a military and military leader is both the executive and the legislative but in democracy, it is not possible like that,” he said.

“More so, military has been rendered impotent and I believe he will do everything to resuscitate it because he knows the military well, so he will do it.

“And for those who are pushing President Jonathan, he should beware because when the chips are down, he will be naked and they will mock him at the end.”