Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), was making active efforts to secure the release of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola before the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election died unexpectedly in detention.
Obasanjo disclosed that Kola Abiola, one of Abiola’s sons, had already arrived in Abuja to take his father home when news of his death broke.
The former President made the revelation on Saturday during the public presentation of three books published in honour of Abdulsalami Abubakar’s 84th birthday celebration.
The event, themed “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” was held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja and attracted a distinguished gathering of current and former leaders, diplomats, traditional rulers, lawmakers and other prominent Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu attended the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour.
Speaking at the event, Obasanjo described Abdulsalami as a patriotic leader who played a major role in steering Nigeria through one of the most difficult periods in its history following the sudden death of General Sani Abacha in June 1998.
He recalled that after assuming office as Head of State, Abdulsalami moved swiftly to address the political tension that had gripped the country, including efforts to resolve the controversy surrounding Abiola’s continued detention.
According to Obasanjo, Abdulsalami regularly kept him informed about plans to secure Abiola’s freedom and also maintained communication with the detained politician’s family.
“Your next move was how to get MKO Abiola released and you kept me regularly informed, and also related messages to the family,” Obasanjo said.
“Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened.
“I remember you telling me on the telephone, ‘our man is dead.'”
The former President’s account provides fresh insight into one of the most painful chapters in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Chief MKO Abiola is widely believed to have won the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which is regarded by many observers as the freest and fairest election ever conducted in Nigeria.
However, the election was annulled by the military administration of former military President General Ibrahim Babangida, plunging the country into political turmoil.
The annulment triggered widespread protests and demands for the restoration of Abiola’s mandate.
In June 1994, Abiola declared himself President based on what he described as the mandate freely given to him by Nigerians.
He was subsequently arrested and detained by the military government on charges of treason.
Abiola remained in detention for four years under the regime of General Sani Abacha despite repeated calls from local and international groups for his release.
The political atmosphere changed dramatically after Abacha died suddenly on June 8, 1998.
Abdulsalami Abubakar emerged as Nigeria’s 11th Head of State after members of the Provisional Ruling Council elected him to succeed Abacha.
According to his autobiography, Abdulsalami defeated Lieutenant General Ishaya Bamaiyi in the internal vote that determined the country’s next leader.
Obasanjo said Abdulsalami managed the uncertainty that followed Abacha’s death with wisdom and calmness.
He praised him for taking immediate steps to stabilise the country and restore confidence among Nigerians.
“You sagaciously managed the seeming confusion and uncertainty that followed Abacha’s death. You emerged from the cloud and carefully proceeded to untangle the nation,” Obasanjo said.
“Political prisoners were released, and I was.”
Obasanjo himself had been imprisoned by the Abacha regime after being convicted over an alleged coup plot.
He regained his freedom shortly after Abdulsalami assumed office.
The former President noted that the National Assembly also benefitted from the transition program initiated by Abdulsalami, which laid the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic system.
He particularly commended the retired general for fulfilling his promise to return the country to civilian rule within a short period.
“Within less than one year of your taking office, we had democracy restored,” Obasanjo said.
Abiola, however, never lived to enjoy the freedom many Nigerians had hoped he would regain.
He died in detention on July 7, 1998, barely a month after Abdulsalami became Head of State.
His death sparked outrage and grief across the country, especially among supporters who had campaigned for the validation of the June 12 election.
The circumstances surrounding Abiola’s death have remained a subject of national discussion for decades.
For many Nigerians, June 12 symbolises the struggle for democracy, justice and the right of citizens to freely choose their leaders.
Recognising the significance of that election, former President Muhammadu Buhari, in 2018, officially declared June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and posthumously honoured MKO Abiola with the nation’s highest national honour reserved for presidents.
Saturday’s event celebrating Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday also featured the presentation of three books highlighting his contributions to Nigeria and Africa.
The books included “Call of Duty: An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,” which carries a foreword by former military President Ibrahim Babangida; “Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar”; and “Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.”
The books were reviewed by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, a former Chief of Staff to the President and seasoned diplomat.
The program was chaired by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, while former South African President Thabo Mbeki delivered the keynote address titled “Democratic Transition and Peace Building in Africa: The Place of General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar.”
Abdulsalami eventually handed over power to an elected civilian government on May 29, 1999, with Obasanjo emerging as President after the transition program.
More than two decades later, Obasanjo’s account of Abdulsalami’s efforts to free MKO Abiola has reopened memories of Nigeria’s difficult journey to democracy.
It also sheds new light on the final days of the man many Nigerians still regard as the true winner of the June 12, 1993 election and a symbol of democratic struggle in the country.