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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, was on the verge of securing the release of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, before his sudden death in detention.
Obasanjo made the revelation on Saturday in Abuja during the public launch of three books in honor of Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday, titled “Legacy of a Statesman @84”, held at the Presidential Villa.
He said the former military leader had already made deals for Abiola’s freedom, noting that the late politician’s son, Kola, was in Abuja awaiting his father’s release when the unexpected occurred.
According to Obasanjo, Abdulsalami kept him regularly informed about efforts to secure Abiola’s freedom and maintained communication with the family throughout the trial.
“Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened,” he said, recalling a telephone conversation in which Abdulsalami allegedly informed him of Abiola’s death.
Abiola, widely considered the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, died in detention in July 1998, a development that sparked national outrage and intensified calls for democratic rule.
Obasanjo, who was among the political prisoners freed after the death of former head of state, Sani Abacha, praised Abdulsalami for leading Nigeria through a period of turbulent transition.
He described Abdulsalami as a patriot and peacemaker whose leadership stabilized the country after Abacha’s death, adding that his administration took decisive steps to release political prisoners and initiate a return to civilian rule.
“You emerged from the cloud of uncertainty and carefully extricated the nation,” Obasanjo said.
He also credited Abdulsalami with laying the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic order, noting that the transition to civilian rule was achieved within a year of his assumption of office in 1998.
Speaking at the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan also praised Abdulsalami for his commitment to democracy and national stability, particularly his refusal to extend military rule despite pressure at the time.
Jonathan said Abdulsalami’s decision to relinquish power strengthened democratic institutions and ensured a peaceful transition, describing his legacy as defined by courage, selflessness and dedication to service.
The event also saw the inauguration of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre, further cementing the former leader’s contribution to governance and peacebuilding in Nigeria and across Africa.
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