Ghana National Council

Olusegun Obasanjo

Yakubu Gowon said leaders must avoid the tendency of prolonging their terms or overstaying their acceptability.

Mr. Gowon took power in a military coup in 1966 but was overthrown in a military coup in 1975 after announcing plans to extend his rule.

Speculation has surfaced that Mr. Obasanjo will seek a third term when his mandate expires in May, 2007. He has refused to directly answer questions on whether he will do so.

But recent statements from ruling party officials and a Senate committee recommendation indicate efforts are under way to remove the two-term limit in Nigeria's constitution, thus allowing Mr. Obasanjo to run for a third term.