Bob Denard vs Olusegun Obasanjo

Denard led a group of mercenaries in overthrowing President Ahmed Abdallah of the Comoros. The coup installed a new government, but Denard remained a power broker behind the scenes, marking the start of his influence in the islands.

Denard orchestrated a second coup in the Comoros, overthrowing the leftist government of Ali Soilih. He restored Ahmed Abdallah to power and became the de facto ruler of the country, commanding the presidential guard.

After the 1978 coup, Denard was appointed commander of the Presidential Guard. He effectively controlled the Comoros' security apparatus, using his position to enrich himself and maintain power through violence and intimidation.

Denard attempted another coup in the Comoros, but this time French forces intervened. He was arrested and deported to France, where he was tried and imprisoned for his role in the 1995 coup attempt.

Following the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed in a failed coup, Obasanjo, as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, succeeded him as head of state. He oversaw the continuation of the transition to civilian rule.

Obasanjo voluntarily handed over power to the elected civilian government of Shehu Shagari, marking the first peaceful transfer of power from military to civilian rule in Nigeria. This act established a precedent for democratic transition.

Obasanjo won the 1999 Nigerian presidential election as the candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). His victory ended 16 years of military rule and began the Fourth Nigerian Republic.

Obasanjo's government negotiated a debt relief agreement with the Paris Club, resulting in the cancellation of $18 billion of Nigeria's external debt. This freed up resources for domestic spending and was a major economic achievement.

Obasanjo attempted to amend the Nigerian constitution to allow him to run for a third term. The bid was rejected by the National Assembly, marking a significant political defeat and reinforcing term limits.