“I Never Knew You Asked Abacha Not to Kill Me” – Obasanjo to Gowon

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his gratitude to ex-Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), for intervening on his behalf during the regime of late General Sani Abacha. Gowon revealed over the weekend that he pleaded with Abacha to spare Obasanjo from execution following accusations of plotting a coup.

The disclosure came during the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival, held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South Local Government Area. The event, attended by notable dignitaries including Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Boni Haruna, featured a moment of reflection from Gowon about his efforts to save Obasanjo.

Gowon recounted writing a personal letter to Abacha, urging him to show mercy and reminding him of his divine responsibility to lead with goodness, not malice. He revealed that the letter, which was delivered to Abacha in Abuja through Gowon’s wife, marked a turning point in the situation. Gowon expressed his joy that Obasanjo not only survived the ordeal but later became Nigeria’s president in 1999 after spending three years in prison and being released following Abacha’s death in 1998.

Reacting to Gowon’s revelation the next day at the same carol event, Obasanjo admitted he was unaware of Gowon’s intervention until it was mentioned publicly. He expressed deep gratitude, stating, “When I came out of prison, I had the opportunity to thank friends inside and outside the country who contributed to my release through prayers and appeals. But I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday; I thank you for that.”

Obasanjo also commended Governor Mutfwang for his developmental strides and peace initiatives in Plateau State, encouraging him to continue his efforts for the benefit of the people.

It is worth noting that Obasanjo and the late General Murtala Mohammed had previously overthrown Gowon’s government ina coup on July 29, 1975.