Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, was actively working towards securing the release of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, before his sudden death.
Obasanjo made the revelation on Saturday during the public presentation of three books published in honour of General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s 84th birthday. The event, themed “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” was held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja and attracted prominent political leaders, former public office holders, and dignitaries from across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Obasanjo praised Abdulsalami as an exemplary military officer, a committed patriot, and a respected statesman whose leadership helped steer Nigeria through one of its most delicate political transitions.
According to the former president, Abdulsalami assumed office at a period marked by uncertainty and tension following the death of former military ruler General Sani Abacha. He noted that the former Head of State quickly took decisive steps to restore stability and confidence in the country.
Obasanjo recalled that one of Abdulsalami’s earliest actions was the release of political detainees, including himself, as part of efforts to ease political tensions and pave the way for national reconciliation.
He further disclosed that Abdulsalami was also deeply involved in arrangements aimed at securing MKO Abiola’s freedom and regularly updated him on developments surrounding the process.
“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. Political prisoners were released, and I was.
“As has been said by the president of the Senate, the National Assembly is a beneficiary of that. Your next move was how to get MKO Abiola released, and you kept me regularly informed and also related messages to the family.
“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,’” Obasanjo stated.
The former president said Abdulsalami’s role in Nigeria’s democratic journey remains significant, particularly his decision to return the country to civilian rule within a relatively short period.
He credited the former military leader with laying the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation, noting that democratic governance was restored in less than a year after Abdulsalami took office.
Also speaking at the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Abdulsalami as a distinguished statesman whose contributions to Nigeria’s development and democratic stability continue to inspire future generations.
Jonathan praised the former Head of State for guiding Nigeria through a peaceful transition from military rule to democratic governance, emphasizing that his commitment to national unity and peace remains one of his greatest legacies.
According to Jonathan, Abdulsalami demonstrated uncommon courage and selflessness by resisting pressure to remain in power beyond the agreed transition period, choosing instead to hand over to a democratically elected government.
He noted that the former military leader’s achievements have played a crucial role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and maintaining political stability over the years.
The event also featured the introduction of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre by former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.
The centre is expected to serve as a platform for promoting leadership development, peacebuilding, governance research, and policy engagement across Africa.
The celebration highlighted Abdulsalami’s contributions to national development, democratic governance, and conflict resolution, with speakers describing him as one of Nigeria’s most respected elder statesmen whose influence continues to shape the country’s political landscape.
