Obasanjo: Abubakar was working to free MKO Abiola before his death

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday revealed that former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), was making arrangements to secure the release of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola before the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election died in detention.

Obasanjo disclosed that Abiola’s son, Kola, had already arrived in Abuja to take his father home when news of his death emerged.

The former President made the revelation during the public presentation of three books in honour of Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Recalling events following Abdulsalami’s assumption of office after the death of Gen. Sani Abacha in June 1998, Obasanjo said the former military ruler moved swiftly to address the political crisis surrounding Abiola’s detention.

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

“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.’”

Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, died in custody on July 7, 1998, barely a month after Abdulsalami became Head of State.

Obasanjo described Abdulsalami as a patriot and peacemaker whose leadership helped stabilise Nigeria during a period of uncertainty following Abacha’s death.

“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,” he said.