Abdulsalami Was Working To Release Abiola Before His Death — Obasanjo Reveals Sh*cking Detail

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), was actively making arrangements to secure the release of Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, before Abiola’s sudden death in detention.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Obasanjo disclosed that Abiola’s son, Kola Abiola, had already arrived in Abuja to take his father home when news of his death was announced.

He made the revelation on Saturday during the public presentation of three books held in honour of Abdulsalami Abubakar’s 84th birthday. The event, themed “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with President Bola Tinubu in attendance as Special Guest of Honour.

According to Obasanjo, he had several private discussions with Abdulsalami at the time, during which the former military leader kept him updated on ongoing efforts to secure Abiola’s release and also conveyed messages to his family.

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 also used the occasion to praise Abdulsalami, describing him as “a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist, and a peacemaker.”

He noted that Abdulsalami stabilised the country following the death of General Sani Abacha in June 1998 and moved swiftly to address the political crisis surrounding Abiola’s continued detention.

“You sagaciously managed the 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 among them,” he said.

He further credited Abdulsalami with laying the foundation for Nigeria’s return to democratic rule, commending the speed and effectiveness of the transition process.

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

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who also spoke at the event, described Abdulsalami as a distinguished statesman dedicated to national service and global peace.

Jonathan commended his role in ensuring a peaceful transition to civilian rule and praised his courage, selflessness, and commitment to national stability.

He also highlighted Abdulsalami’s post-office contributions to peace-building, noting that his legacy is defined not by the length of his tenure, but by his impactful achievements.

Jonathan further lauded Abdulsalami for resisting pressures to extend his stay in power, describing the decision as a rare act of true statesmanship.