Why I Pleaded with Abacha to Spare Obasanjo’s Life – Gowon

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has revealed why he appealed to the late General Sani Abacha to spare former President Olusegun Obasanjo from execution over an alleged coup plot in 1995. Gowon made the revelation during the maiden Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organized by the Plateau State Government.

Obasanjo was arrested in 1995 and accused of plotting to overthrow Abacha’s government. Despite maintaining his innocence, he was convicted and sentenced to death. However, the sentence was not carried out, and Obasanjo spent three years in prison before his release in 1998 following Abacha’s death.

Speaking at the event, where he served as Special Guest of Honour alongside Obasanjo as Guest of Honour, Gowon recounted his intervention. “I wrote a letter to Abacha. I pleaded with him that God made him a leader to do good and not evil,” Gowon said. He explained that his wife delivered the letter to Abacha late at night in Abuja, urging the then Head of State to reconsider. “I pleaded with him that such a thing should not happen,” Gowon said.

He expressed gratitude for the eventual outcome, stating that Obasanjo not only regained his freedom but went on to become Nigeria’s president in 1999. “This is something that only prayers and sincerity can do. I’m happy that today, myself and Obasanjo are here to celebrate the unity of Plateau,” he remarked.

Gowon commended the Plateau State Government for organizing the carol, describing it as a platform for fostering peace and unity in the state, which has faced significant security challenges. He also praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his initiatives promoting peaceful coexistence among the people.