According to the report from the Vanguard, Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara has disclosed that he turned down a bribe of N250 million to support the third-term agenda during former President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration. In an interview, Wabara affirmed the truthfulness of this assertion. The third-term agenda was a significant moment in Nigeria's democratic history, as it sought to amend the constitution to allow President Obasanjo to run for a third term. Wabara, emphasizing his educational background, explained his firm rejection of the agenda.
Wabara went on to describe how he received the bribe in a black G-Wagon at 1:20 a.m., just before his speech on the third term. He highlighted the importance of his decision, stating that if the third-term agenda had succeeded, it would have hindered the emergence of other presidents, including Buhari and Tinubu.
Expressing concern about the current state of the country, Wabara lamented the weaponization of poverty by those in power. He emphasized that hunger misguides people, leading them to follow leaders who provide immediate relief, rather than focusing on long-term development. Wabara criticized the lack of efforts by politicians to create an enabling environment that addresses poverty and uplifts the electorate.
Furthermore, Wabara clarified that he resigned from office and was not removed by President Obasanjo. He reiterated that his decision to resign was not influenced by any external pressure.