Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that ex-Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, was on the verge of securing the release of presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, before his sudden death in detention.
Obasanjo made the disclosure on Saturday in Abuja during the public presentation of three books in honour of Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday, titled “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” held at the Presidential Villa.
He said the former military leader had already concluded arrangements 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 briefed on the efforts to secure Abiola’s freedom and maintained communication with the family throughout the process.
“Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened,” he said, recalling a phone conversation in which Abdulsalami reportedly informed him of Abiola’s death.
Abiola, widely regarded as 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 governance.
Obasanjo, who was among political detainees freed after the death of former Head of State, Sani Abacha, commended Abdulsalami for steering Nigeria through a turbulent transition period.
He described Abdulsalami as a patriot and peacemaker whose leadership stabilised the country following Abacha’s death, adding that his administration took decisive steps to release political prisoners and initiate a return to civil rule.
“You emerged from the cloud of uncertainty and carefully untangled the nation,” Obasanjo said.
He further credited Abdulsalami with laying the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation, noting that the transition to civilian rule was achieved within a year of his assumption of office in 1998.
Also speaking at the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan praised Abdulsalami for his commitment to democracy and national stability, particularly his refusal to extend military rule despite pressures at the time.
Jonathan said Abdulsalami’s decision to hand over power strengthened democratic institutions and ensured a peaceful transition, describing his legacy as one defined by courage, selflessness and dedication to service.
The event also featured the unveiling of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre, further cementing the former leader’s contributions to governance and peacebuilding in Nigeria and across Africa.
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