How Abacha pressured me to become army chief in 1993 — Abdulsalami

Former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has disclosed that the late Gen. Sani Abacha personally pressured him to accept the position of Chief of Army Staff following the November 1993 coup. Abubakar revealed in his autobiography, 'Call of Duty,' that he rejected the offer twice, expressing his reluctance to be used as a pawn by civilians seeking to manipulate the military.

The revelations came to light during the public presentation of Abubakar's 264-page autobiography in Abuja, coinciding with his 84th birthday. Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, attended the event as the Special Guest of Honour. Abubakar recounted the events leading up to Abacha's coup, noting that he was serving as Commandant of the National War College when the political crisis surrounding the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election intensified. Abacha, then Minister of Defence, had retained his position as the most senior military officer.

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These Army guys are thinking of a coup. Let me tell you that the Navy would not be a part of it.

Abubakar first learned of potential military action from Rear Admiral Suleiman Saidu, then Chief of Naval Staff, who warned him about Abacha and Gusau traveling to Abuja. Saidu indicated the Navy would not participate in a coup, a sentiment Abubakar echoed, stating he was unaware of any such plans. Later, on November 17, 1993, Ernest Shonekan resigned as Head of the Interim National Government, and Abacha seized power. The following day, Abubakar was pressured to attend a meeting of senior military officers but declined, citing a lack of formal invitation.

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I replied, ‘Like what?’ He said, ‘You people are trying to remove Chief Ernest Shonekan.’ I said I had no idea, but that he should let me find out. That was the second time I was hearing the rumour.