I Never Knew You Asked Abacha Not To Kill Me, Obasanjo Replies Gowon

• Former President Olusegun Obasanjo acknowledged General Yakubu Gowon’s efforts to appeal for his clemency during his imprisonment under Abacha’s regime
• Gowon revealed he sent a letter to Abacha pleading for Obasanjo’s life, emphasizing leadership should focus on doing good

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has publicly acknowledged the role played by former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.) in appealing to the late General Sani Abacha to spare him from execution during his imprisonment in the 1990s.

Obasanjo was imprisoned by the Abacha regime over an alleged coup plot and was sentenced to death, though he maintained his innocence.

During the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Jos South, Plateau State, Gowon disclosed his efforts to prevent Obasanjo’s execution.

He recounted writing a letter to Abacha urging him to show clemency. Gowon emphasized that leadership is an opportunity to do good, not harm, and said he sent the letter through his wife, who delivered it to Abacha in Abuja under the cover of night. Gowon expressed joy that Obasanjo was eventually released and later became Nigeria’s President in 1999.

The following day at the same event, Obasanjo expressed surprise and gratitude for Gowon’s intervention.

“I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon. Yesterday, he made a revelation, and I have to thank you specifically for that,” Obasanjo said. “When I came out of prison, I thanked friends inside and outside the country who contributed to my release. However, I did not know you wrote a personal letter on my behalf until you mentioned it yesterday.”

He also commended Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his developmental strides and peace initiatives and encouraged him to continue serving the people of the state.

Obasanjo’s release came in 1998 following Abacha’s death. His subsequent rise to Nigeria’s presidency in 1999 marked a significant turn in his political career. Interestingly, Obasanjo and the late Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, had previously overthrown Gowon in a coup on July 29, 1975, underscoring the dynamics of Nigeria’s political history.