1995: I Begged Sani Abacha To Spare Obasanjo’s Life Over Alleged Coup Plot – Gowon

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has shared how he implored the late Gen. Sani Abacha not to carry out the execution of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was accused of plotting a coup in 1995. Gowon made this revelation during the inaugural Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organized by the Plateau Government.

As a reminder, Obasanjo was arrested by Gen. Sani Abacha in 1995 and found guilty of being involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the government. He spent three years in prison before being released in 1998, following Abacha’s death on June 8 of that year.

“I wrote a letter to Abacha, urging him to remember that God placed him in a position of leadership to do good, not harm. I had my wife deliver the letter to him in Abuja late at night, asking him to reconsider his actions.

“I’m pleased that shortly after, circumstances changed, and not only was Obasanjo released from prison, but he also became our president in 1999. This is a testament to the power of prayer and genuine intentions; I’m grateful that today, both Obasanjo and I are here to celebrate the unity of Plateau,” he stated.