“Former Head of State Reveals Fresh Details Surrounding MKO Abiola’s Death, Sparks Renewed Debate

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has disclosed that American officials who were present with Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO Abiola) at the time of his death were initially denied access to him following the incident.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abdulsalami made the revelation in his forthcoming autobiography, which is scheduled for public presentation in Abuja on Saturday. The book provides new insights into the events surrounding the death of Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

According to details cited in the book, Abiola was meeting a United States delegation in Abuja on July 7, 1998, when he suddenly developed a persistent cough during the engagement.

His sudden death sparked widespread unrest, particularly in Lagos State, amid speculation and controversy over the circumstances of his passing.

At the time, rumours circulated suggesting that Abiola may have been poisoned after allegedly consuming tea offered by members of the visiting American delegation to ease his coughing episode. However, these claims were never substantiated.

Abiola’s death occurred just weeks after the passing of former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, under whose regime Abiola had been detained after declaring himself president in 1994 following the annulled election.

In his autobiography, Abdulsalami gives a detailed personal account of the events surrounding Abiola’s death, including previously unpublished information. One key revelation is that the American officials accompanying Abiola at the time were initially denied access to him after his death.

Excerpts from the book describe how a U.S. delegation led by former Ambassador Thomas Pickering, along with then Assistant Secretary of State Susan Rice, had visited Nigeria to assess the political situation following Abacha’s death. They had sought to meet Abiola as part of their mission but were initially prevented from doing so.

Abdulsalami noted that upon learning of their concerns, he immediately ordered arrangements for the delegation to meet Abiola.

The former leader recounted that he was later informed by his Chief Security Officer that Abiola had died suddenly after experiencing coughing and sweating during the meeting, later being pronounced dead at the State House Clinic.

He described the moment as shocking and destabilising, noting the political sensitivity of the situation at the time and the fear that it could worsen national tensions.

Abdulsalami also revealed the swift steps taken to notify key officials, the Abiola family, and members of the visiting delegation, adding that the atmosphere was one of deep grief and confusion.

He further addressed conspiracy theories that emerged after Abiola’s death, including claims of poisoning and political assassination, describing them as unfounded.

According to him, an autopsy was conducted with the participation of Nigerian and international medical experts, including representatives of the family, and it concluded that Abiola died of natural causes related to long-standing heart conditions.

The report, later made public, indicated severe coronary artery disease and hypertension as contributing factors, and ruled out poisoning based on toxicology findings.

Abdulsalami stated that he accepted the findings of the autopsy and saw no evidence of foul play in Abiola’s death, although he acknowledged that speculation and rumours persisted long after he left office.