“Why I ended up in prison during Abacha s regime” – Obasanjo opens up

• Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo opens up on the reasons behind his imprisonment during General Sani Abacha’s regime in 1995.
• Obasanjo reveals that his refusal to remain silent on national and international issues was the primary reason for his arrest.
• Obasanjo recalls how his commitment to speak out, even at great personal cost, led him to prison and shaped his leadership journey.
• He reflects on how the situation in Nigeria worsened after his release, which contributed to increasing calls for change.

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has opened up on the reasons behind his imprisonment during General Sani Abacha’s regime in 1995.

Speaking during an interactive session with 15 young leaders at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo shared how his outspoken nature led to his arrest. According to Obasanjo, his refusal to remain silent on national and international issues landed him in prison.

“Going into prison is really a challenge because I refuse to keep quiet. For me, if there is anything to comment on, I did comment on them, and so, I landed in prison,” he recalled.

He further explained that the challenges he faced in prison came as a result of his unwavering commitment to speak out on issues he deemed important.

Reflecting on his time in prison, Obasanjo emphasized how the situation in Nigeria worsened after his release, leading to growing calls for change.

“When I came out from prison, the situation was bad in the country that some people felt the need to be saved, and pressure started coming,” he added.

Obasanjo also took the opportunity to commend Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the founder of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation (FALF), for his efforts in nurturing young African leaders.

Obasanjo praised Oyakhilome’s ongoing work with the Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA), highlighting its positive impact since its inception in 2013.