My autobiography to provide historical clarity not open old wounds – Gowon

Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, will officially present his long-awaited autobiography on May 19, 2026, in Abuja, with President Bola Tinubu and former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma expected to headline the event.

The public presentation, scheduled to hold at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, is expected to attract senior government officials, diplomats, military veterans and dignitaries from across the country.

President Tinubu is billed as the special guest of honour, while Danjuma, a former Chief of Army Staff, will formally unveil the autobiography.

Published by Havilah Group, the 881-page memoir offers Gowon’s personal reflections on his leadership journey and key moments in Nigeria’s history, including the Nigerian Civil War fought between 1967 and 1970.

The autobiography also recounts Gowon’s early life and his rise to power during one of the country’s most critical political periods.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Gowon said the memoir was intended to provide context for decisions taken during his administration rather than reopen old divisions.

“By choosing to write, I took a conscious decision not to reopen old wounds but to clarify my thinking on policies and plans at a period often narrated by others,” Gowon said.

“My story is one of conviction evaluated by circumstances at the crossroads of expectations and reality,” he added.