Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, was actively working towards securing the release of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, before his sudden death.
Obasanjo made the revelation on Saturday in Abuja during the public presentation of three books published in honour of General Abubakar’s 84th birthday. The event, themed “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” was held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.
Paying tribute to the former military leader, Obasanjo described Abubakar as a distinguished officer, patriot, nationalist and peacemaker whose leadership helped steer the country through one of its most challenging periods.
He recalled the uncertainty that followed the death of former military ruler General Sani Abacha in 1998 and praised Abubakar for taking decisive steps to stabilise the nation, including the release of political detainees and efforts aimed at freeing MKO Abiola.
He said, “You sagaciously managed the seeming 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.
“As has been said by the president of the Senate, the National Assembly is a beneficiary of that. 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 credited Abubakar with laying the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation, noting that democratic governance was restored within a year of his assumption of office.
“Within less than one year of your taking office, we had democracy restored,”* he added.
Earlier, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Abubakar as an exceptional statesman whose life has been defined by service to Nigeria and humanity.
Jonathan reflected on the former Head of State’s role in overseeing a peaceful transition from military rule to democratic governance, describing his actions as courageous and selfless.
According to him, Abubakar’s enduring commitment to peace and national development has left a lasting legacy, adding that his contributions should be measured by his achievements rather than the number of years he has lived.
Jonathan further commended the elder statesman for strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and resisting pressure to extend his stay in power after assuming office.
Also speaking at the event, former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, unveiled the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre, established in honour of the former Head of State.
