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Obasanjo Reveals How PDP Lost Ogun Election in 1998 Over Bribe Proposal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has shared a personal story about how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost a local government election in Ogun State in 1998 after he refused to endorse a plan to bribe police and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) personnel. Speaking at a high-level consultation in Abeokuta, Obasanjo recounted that party leaders suggested allocating funds for the police and INEC, which he rejected, citing the belief that these officials were already government employees receiving monthly salaries. This incident highlighted the impact of what Obasanjo termed the 'Nigerian factor' on elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • Obasanjo refused to endorse plans to bribe police and INEC personnel in the 1998 Ogun State local government election, which resulted in the PDP's loss of all local governments.
  • He cited his belief that police and INEC officials were already government employees receiving monthly salaries, making bribery unnecessary.
  • The 'Nigerian factor' was a recurring theme in the consultation, with Obasanjo explaining it as the tendency to resort to bribing officials in times of crisis.
  • During the next election for the State Assembly, Obasanjo did not participate, but the result was the same, highlighting the persistence of the 'Nigerian factor.'
  • One of the individuals who received money for bribe distribution allegedly did not do so, further emphasizing the ineffectiveness of such tactics.
  • Obasanjo's refusal to endorse bribery proposals reflects his stance against corruption and his commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

Statistics:

  • 1998: The year in which the PDP lost the local government election in Ogun State due to Obasanjo's refusal to endorse bribery proposals.
  • All local governments: The number of local areas that the PDP lost in the 1998 election after Obasanjo's decision.
  • One of the individuals: The number of people allegedly involved in the failed bribe distribution scheme during the State Assembly election.
  • Monthly salaries: The stipend that police and INEC officials reportedly received, making bribery unnecessary according to Obasanjo.

Sources:

  • www.naija247news.com

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