Abdulsalami Was Working To Release Abiola Before His Death – Obasanjo

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday disclosed that former Head of State General, Abdulsalami Abubakar, (retd.) was actively working to secure the release of the winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, before Abiola’s sudden death in detention.

Naija News reports that Obasanjo said Abiola’s son, Kola, was already in Abuja to take his father home when news of his death broke.

He made the disclosure at the public presentation of three books in honour of Abubakar’s 84th birthday.

The event, themed “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” was held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and attended by President Bola Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour.

Obasanjo recalled private conversations he had with Abubakar during the period, saying the former Head of State kept him informed about efforts to free Abiola.

He said, “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 Praises Abdulsalami

The former President described Abubakar as “a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker.”

He said Abubakar steadied the country after the death of Gen. Sani Abacha in June 1998 and moved quickly to address the political crisis surrounding Abiola’s continued detention.

Obasanjo said, “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.”

Obasanjo also credited Abubakar with initiating and sustaining Nigeria’s return to democratic governance. He praised the speed with which the transition to civilian rule was completed.

“Within less than one year of your taking office, we had democracy restored,” he said.

Jonathan Hails Former Head Of State

Speaking earlier, former President, Goodluck Jonathan, described Abubakar as a remarkable statesman with a lifetime of dedication to the service of the nation and humanity.

Jonathan praised him for guiding Nigeria through a peaceful transition to civilian rule.

He commended Abubakar for what he described as uncommon courage and selflessness in promoting peace and progress in Nigeria.

The former President also noted Abubakar’s continued advocacy for peace after leaving office, saying his legacy was measured not by the number of years he spent in power but by his achievements.

Jonathan further praised Abubakar for stabilising Nigeria’s democracy and resisting pressure to remain in office longer than necessary, describing the decision as a defining act of statesmanship.