Obasanjo Recalls Abdulsalami’s Call: “Our Man Is Dead” After Abiola’s Passing

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo spoke in Abuja about one of Nigeria’s most tense moments. He recalled how Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar rang him in July 1998 to announce the death of MKO Abiola. Obasanjo praised Abdulsalami’s careful handling of political uncertainty after Gen. Abacha’s death. He noted the release of political prisoners and their shared efforts to free Abiola before the tragedy struck. At the event marking Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday and the launch of his autobiography, Call of Duty, Obasanjo highlighted the military leader’s role in steering Nigeria back to democracy within a year. He also paid tribute to other military figures—Gowon, Murtala, Fajuyi—and joked about who might live to celebrate 100.

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