Abubakar Dumped Abacha's Transition Program for Lack of Credibility, Cites Military Unreadiness for Civilian Rule

Former Nigerian military head of state Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar revealed that he discarded the late Gen. Sani Abacha's transition program because it lacked credibility. Abubakar, who assumed leadership after Abacha's death, explained that the military was not prepared to cede power to civilians. He also noted that the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) had lobbied for an extension of military rule.

Abubakar's decision to abandon Abacha's transition program was a significant move in Nigeria's political history. The program was intended to guide the country towards civilian rule, but Abubakar found it to be lacking in genuine commitment to democratic principles. This led him to initiate a new transition process that ultimately resulted in the handover of power to a democratically elected government.

The former head of state's remarks shed light on the complex political dynamics of the era. The military's reluctance to relinquish control and the influence of various political groups, such as NADECO, created a challenging environment for democratic transition. Abubakar's intervention, by dumping Abacha's program, aimed to steer the nation towards a more credible and sustainable democratic future.

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Says NADECO lobbied for extension; military not ready to cede power to civilians