His desire to change the constitution miffed Nigerians, and Africans in general, because “on a continent bereft of political gains, Olusegun Obasanjo stands out as a leader in whom many Africans see what they regard as somebody who is a role model, a leader they could be proud of,” reported The Post.

The decision by the National Assembly in mid-May to reject any altering of the Constitution was seen as a “victory for democracy” and was welcomed by Obasanjo, the Vanguard reported.

Obasanjo’s gracious acceptance of defeat was praised within Nigeria and among other African leaders. Agency France Presse reported that South African President Thabo Mbeki heralded Obasanjo’s adherence to the principles of democracy as “an outstanding act of statesmanship,” and noted that he “spoke to all of us in unequivocal terms to reaffirm our sacred task to entrench democracy throughout our continent”.