Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that the late Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), was actively working to secure the release of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the presumed winner of the 12 June 1993 presidential election, shortly before Abiola’s sudden death.
Mr Obasanjo made the disclosure on Saturday in Abuja during the public presentation of three books titled The Legacy of a Statesman @84, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa to mark General Abubakar’s 84th birthday.
Describing the former military ruler as “a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker”, Obasanjo praised Abubakar’s handling of the confusion that followed the death of General Sani Abacha. He noted that Abubakar’s early actions—including the release of political prisoners and efforts to free MKO Abiola—deserve particular commendation.
“You sagaciously managed the seeming confusion and uncertainty that followed Abacha’s death,” Obasanjo said. “Political prisoners were released, and I was. 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 credited Abubakar with initiating and sustaining Nigeria’s democracy, adding: “Within less than one year of your taking office, we had democracy restored.”
Earlier, former President Goodluck Jonathan described General Abubakar as a remarkable statesman with a lifetime of dedication to the nation. He praised Abubakar’s uncommon courage and selflessness in guiding Nigeria through a peaceful transition to democratic governance, and for resisting pressure to remain in office beyond his tenure.
Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, used the occasion to introduce the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre.