Why Obasanjo Did Not Vote for the First Time Since 1999

News - Women's Perspective

For the very first time since 1999, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was did not cast his vote in the governorship and house of Assembly elections that were held across 28 states in the country.

The 3-time Nigerian leader usually cast his votes at polling unit 22, Ward 11, Olusomi compound, Totoro, area of Abeokuta-North local government area of the state, Ogun State.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

However, for the first time, he failed to participate in an election since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999.

Obasanjo, who had previously served as Nigeria’s military president was also elected as the first president when the country returned to democracy in 1999 from military rule.

He was re-elected for another term in 2003.

As usual, journalists stormed Obasanjo’s polling unit to capture him while exercising his franchise during the elections but their hope was dashed.

Speaking on the absence of the elder statesman, his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, confirmed that his boss had traveled out of the country 10 days before the governorship and State Assembly elections.

Akinyemi noted that Obasanjo was billed to return a day before the elections, but he was yet to arrive.

In his words, “Chief Obasanjo had traveled 10 days ago to India, US, and, UK. He was supposed to return back to the country yesterday (Friday) March 17 but could not return.”