How Abdulsalami Aimed to Secure MKO Abiola’s Release Before His Death — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, retired, was working to secure the release of the June 12, 1993 presidential election winner, MKO Abiola, before his own death.

Obasanjo made this announcement on Saturday during the public presentation of three books honoring General Abubakar’s 84th birthday, titled “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” held in the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He described General Abdulsalami as a distinguished military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker.

The former president also highlighted General Abdulsalami’s role in managing the confusion and uncertainty that followed the death of General Sani Abacha.

He explained that Abdulsalami’s actions—such as releasing political prisoners and facilitating MKO Abiola’s release—deserve commendation.

“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,” Obasanjo said.

“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 recalled.