Politics
Falae Claims 1999 Presidential Victory Over Obasanjo
Chief Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the All People’s Party (APP) in the 1999 general elections, has made a startling claim – asserting that he, not Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, won the crucial vote that ushered Nigeria back to civilian rule.
Falae, who appeared on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Thursday during special Democracy Day programming, alleged that he was the actual winner of the 1999 presidential election, but was denied his mandate through manipulation of results. The elder statesman declared that based on the legal review of the vote tallies carried out by his legal counsel, late Chief J.O.K. Ajayi, he defeated Obasanjo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by a margin exceeding one million votes.
“I was told by my lawyer, the late Chief JOK Ajayi, that I won the election by over a million votes after a meticulous assessment of the figures declared,” Falae said during the interview. “But we decided not to go to court. We were more concerned about the country returning to democracy peacefully after years of military rule.”
Falae’s unexpected revelation reopens an old political wound from Nigeria’s transitional period following the death of General Sani Abacha and the eventual assumption of office by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who oversaw the transition to democratic governance. The 1999 elections were widely seen at the time as a product of compromise—a means to pacify aggrieved regions, particularly the South-West, following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election presumed to have been won by MKO Abiola.
Falae’s candidacy in 1999, backed by two major opposition parties—AD and APP—was seen as an effort to appease the Yoruba people, while Obasanjo, himself a Yoruba man and former military Head of State, emerged as the PDP’s candidate with backing from the political establishment and the military elite.
“There was so much pressure not to rock the boat,” Falae told his interviewers. “We made sacrifices for democracy to return. I accepted it in good faith then, but the truth must be told: I won that election.”
Political analysts have long pointed to irregularities and compromises in the 1999 electoral process. While international observers acknowledged the election marked a turning point for Nigeria’s democratic aspirations, they also flagged concerns over lack of transparency and credible voter records.
Falae’s fresh assertions have sparked renewed debate over the legitimacy of the 1999 poll and the foundations of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Critics argue that the results were pre-determined by powerful political and military interests who saw Obasanjo, a former military leader and prisoner under Abacha, as a stabilizing force capable of uniting a fragile federation.
Now 85, Falae’s voice still carries weight in Nigeria’s political circles. A respected technocrat, former finance minister, and an enduring figure in Yoruba nationalism, he insists that Nigeria must revisit its democratic journey to learn from the past and ensure true accountability.
Reacting to his remarks, some Nigerians on social media expressed both sympathy and skepticism. While some lamented what they described as stolen history and a “hijacked transition,” others questioned the timing and motive behind the revelation, 26 years after the fact.
For Falae, however, the matter goes beyond personal ambition. “It’s not about me,” he said. “It’s about the truth. Nigeria deserves to know the real story behind its so-called democratic rebirth.”
As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, Falae’s claim adds a layer of complexity to the nation’s political history – a reminder that even foundational transitions can be contested long after the ballots are counted.
Falaye regretted that since 1993, Nigeria has not had credible election, noting that although the democracy has been sustained till 1999, the conduct of elections remain a challenge.
Hallmarknews.com
Minister Nyesom Wike defends his position amidst calls for removal from office Wike emphasizes that only President Tinubu can decide his fate Former governor boasts of his contributions to Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has dismissed calls for his removal from office. Wike said that such decisions rest solely with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The former Rivers State governor stressed that the power to sack him lies solely with the President. From breaking news to viral moments. Follow Legit.ng on Instagram. As reported by The Punch, Wike stated this on Sunday, January 11, 2026, during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor.
Wike addressed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youths in the area. “Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right, not that you should tell him. I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians know we have not disappointed them in the FCT.”
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, described Wike as a major asset to the council, the state, and the nation. “When it comes to who should be President of Nigeria in 2027, we know where to go. As for the governorship of Rivers State, we know where not to go. We will not go the way of ingratitude, disappointment, or disloyalty.”
Recall that President Tinubu reportedly intervened in the feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Wike amidst rising tensions. Tinubu and Wike are set to meet abroad to discuss the ongoing Rivers state crisis and potential impeachment.
Wike’s ally denied involvement in the impeachment plot, claiming Rivers’ lawmakers are driving the actions against Governor Fubara.
Dailyvoice.ng earlier reported that President Tinubu was urged to immediately remove Wike as the minister of the FCT to ensure stability returns to Rivers state. NADECO, a pro-democracy group, made the call, citing the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
Ahead of the 2027 election, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele has predicted that eight APC governors will oppose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Primate Ayodele prophesied that a prominent political figure will defect to the ADC coalition, ‘creating a shocking political shift’
Lagos-based Ayodele is widely known for issuing prophecies on a variety of subjects, including Nigerian and global politics, the economy, security, and sports Oke Afa, Lagos State – Ahead of the 2027 elections, Primate Elijah Ayodele has said that about eight All Progressives Congress (APC) governors will work against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party.
In a statement to Daily voice on Friday, January 9, signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church said the governors may either remain in the APC or defect to an opposition party, but would still work against the president and the ruling party ahead of the election.
Primate Ayodele said:
“I see about eight governors working against APC ahead of 2027. It’s either they stay in the party to work against the party or move to an opposition party.
“President Tinubu will not find it easy in the election. There are so many things around him that look real, but they are not. They will soon start getting uncovered, so he has to prepare. Ayodele Furthermore, Primate Ayodele disclosed that a prominent figure in Nigerian politics will soon defect to the coalition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
His words: “I am seeing a big name decamping to the ADC very soon. It will be a shocker to people and the political scene of the country. It will happen very, very soon.”
Meanwhile, the ADC has maintained that the 2027 elections would be between the citizens and the APC.
The party urged the opposition governors to rise boldly, deliver fresh ideas and lead citizens out of ‘national despair’, stressing that this was what Nigerians expected from them.
Earlier, Daily voice reported that Primate Ayodele denied allegations levelled against him by Bayo Adelabu, minister of power, regarding an alleged blackmail attempt.
A media outlet had reported that Adelabu, a chieftain of the ruling APC and supporter of President Tinubu, accused Primate Ayodele of attempting to extort N150 million from him for “spiritual intercession” to make him governor of Oyo State. However, in a statement sent to Legit.ng, and signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele denied ever attempting to extort the minister, explaining that he had only asked Adelabu to purchase the trumpets.
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has revealed that about eight APC governors will work against President Tinubu and the ruling party ahead of 2027.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the prophet stated that the governors may remain in APC or decamp to an opposition party, but regardless, they will work against the president and the ruling party towards the election.
“I see about eight governors working against APC ahead of 2027. It’s either they stay in the party to work against the party or move to an opposition party.”
“President Tinubu will not find it easy in the election; there are so many things around him that look real, but they are not. They will soon start getting uncovered, so he has to prepare.”
Furthermore, Primate Ayodele made it known that a big name in Nigerian politics will decamp to the coalition party, ADC, very soon.
“ I am seeing a big name decamping to the ADC very soon. It will be a shocker to people and the political scene of the country. It will happen very, very soon.”
It would be recalled that the prophet earlier warned that President Donald Trump is working towards unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the president of the country. He noted that US actions in helping Nigeria aren’t what it seems to be, but have a hidden agenda.
He had also said that Abubakar Atiku, one of the contenders for the presidential ticket, will be pressured to step down for former president Goodluck Jonathan
Black Market Naira To Dollar Exchange Rate Today 12th January 2026
FCT Minister Wike Reacts To Call For Tinubu To Sack Him
2Baba – Officially Blind
These ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
Former Super Eagles Star Loses Life Savings, Duped By A Pastor of ₦1.2 Billion
I’m A Married Man, I Can Never Get Myself Involved With Such A Thing, Delta Gov Aide Reveals Why He Offered Comfort ₦500,000 Job
-
Business17 hours agoBREAKING: Petrol Depot Owners Crash Prices To Cheapest; Details Emerge
-
News2 days agoBuhari’s Ex-Minister Pantami Breaks Silence Over Alleged Wedding Plan With Aisha Buhari
-
News1 day ago“Do Not Test Trump’s Resolve”: US Issues Fresh Threat To Nigeria
-
Politics5 hours agoFCT Minister Wike Reacts To Call For Tinubu To Sack Him
-
Lifestyle2 days agoChimamanda: Heartbreaking Details About What Killed Author’s Late Son Emerge
-
Entertainment22 hours agoSO SAD: Actress and Content Creator Sunshine D!es After Surgery; Details of Last Moment Trends
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON: Nigerian Billionaire Splashes Dollars On Super Eagles
-
News16 hours agoBREAKING: KWAM 1 Writes Ogun Govt, Accuses Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Plot to Exclude Him From Awujale Selection