Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how he narrowly escaped execution under the late military dictator Sani Abacha, who allegedly planned to kill him, MKO Abiola, and Shehu Yar’Adua to cling to power. Speaking at a church dedication in Imo State, Obasanjo recounted Abacha’s boast that none of them would leave prison alive, a fate that befell Abiola and Yar’Adua. Crediting his survival to divine intervention, Obasanjo reflected on his brushes with death, including a 1959 military course where only two of nine Nigerian participants are still alive today.
Abacha’s Plan: Allegedly vowed Obasanjo, Abiola, and Yar’Adua would die in detention.
Divine Survival: Obasanjo attributes his escape to “God’s special grace.”
Historical Context: Abiola died in custody (1998), Yar’Adua was in prison (1997).
Reflection: Obasanjo cited other near-death experiences, emphasizing his “amazing grace.”
The revelation resurfaces dark chapters of Nigeria’s military era, underscoring the fragility of democracy and the perils of unchecked power. Obasanjo’s account also fuels ongoing debates about justice for Abacha-era victims.
"Should Nigeria formally investigate and apologize for Abacha’s alleged political killings?"
