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Abiola died while Abubakar tried to secure his release —Obasanjo

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Former President Olusegun Obasanjo revealed that Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar was working to free MKO Abiola before his death in detention.
  • Abiola's son was en route to Abuja to take his father home when news of his death broke.
  • Obasanjo praised Abubakar for stabilizing Nigeria after Abacha's death and facilitating a swift return to democracy.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo disclosed that former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar was actively engaged in efforts to secure the release of Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, prior to Abiola's death in detention. Obasanjo shared these details during the public presentation of three books honoring Abubakar's 84th birthday in Abuja.

Your next move was how to get MKO Abiola released and you kept me regularly informed, and also related messages to the family.

— Olusegun ObasanjoRecounting Abubakar's efforts to secure MKO Abiola's release.

Obasanjo recounted private conversations with Abubakar, highlighting the former Head of State's commitment to Abiola's release. He revealed that Abiola's son, Kola, had already arrived in Abuja to escort his father home when the news of his death was announced. "Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened," Obasanjo stated, recalling Abubakar's somber telephone message, "our man is dead."

Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened.

— Olusegun ObasanjoDescribing the circumstances surrounding MKO Abiola's death.

The former president lauded Abubakar's leadership in navigating the political crisis following Gen. Sani Abacha's death in June 1998. Obasanjo credited Abubakar with stabilizing the nation, releasing political prisoners, and initiating a rapid transition back to democratic governance. "Within less than one year of your taking office, we had democracy restored," Obasanjo noted.

I remember you telling me on the telephone, ‘our man is dead.’

— Olusegun ObasanjoRecalling Abubakar's announcement of MKO Abiola's death.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan also spoke at the event, describing Abubakar as a remarkable statesman dedicated to Nigeria's service and humanity. Jonathan commended Abubakar's courage and selflessness in promoting peace and guiding the nation through a peaceful transition to civilian rule. He emphasized that Abubakar's legacy is measured by his achievements, particularly in stabilizing democracy and resisting pressure to extend his term.

Within less than one year of your taking office, we had democracy restored.

— Olusegun ObasanjoPraising Abubakar's role in Nigeria's return to democracy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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