“How I saved Obasanjo from execution” – General Yakubu Gowon

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has disclosed how he intervened to save former President Olusegun Obasanjo from execution during the military regime of General Sani Abacha. Gowon made this revelation during the maiden Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organized by the Plateau State Government.

Speaking at the event, Gowon recounted his efforts to dissuade Abacha from carrying out the execution of Obasanjo, who had been accused of plotting a coup against Abacha’s government in 1995. Despite Obasanjo’s denial of the allegations and pleading his innocence, he was sentenced to death.

“I wrote a letter to Abacha; I pleaded with him that God made him a leader to do good and not evil,” Gowon revealed. “I sent my wife with the letter in the middle of the night to Abacha in Abuja. I pleaded with him that such a thing should not happen.”

Gowon expressed relief that his intervention, combined with prayers, played a role in altering the course of events. “I’m glad that soon after that, things changed, and not only did Obasanjo leave prison, but he also became our president in 1999,” he added.

The former Head of State attributed this reality to divine intervention and sincerity of purpose. He highlighted the importance of unity and forgiveness, particularly in the context of Plateau State, where the event was held. “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 State,” 

Obasanjo, who had been sentenced to death, ultimately spent three years in prison before his release in 1998 following Abacha’s sudden death on June 8 of that year. His release marked a turning point in Nigeria’s history. In 1999, Obasanjo was elected as the country’s first civilian president after its return to democracy, serving two consecutive four-year terms.