- General Yakubu Gowon revealed he appealed to General Sani Abacha to spare Olusegun Obasanjo’s life during his 1995 coup trial
- Gowon sent his wife with a letter to Abacha, pleading for mercy, which ultimately contributed to Obasanjo’s release and presidency
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has revealed that he appealed to the late General Sani Abacha to spare the life of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was accused of plotting a coup in 1995.
Gowon shared this during the inaugural Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival, which the Plateau State government organized.
Obasanjo was arrested and convicted in 1995 for allegedly planning to overthrow Abacha’s regime. Although he maintained his innocence, he was sentenced to death.
He spent three years in prison before being released in 1998, following Abacha’s death on June 8 of that year.
At the event, Gowon recounted his intervention: “I wrote a letter to Abacha, pleading with him, reminding him that God made him a leader to do good, not evil.
I sent my wife with the letter in the middle of the night to Abacha in Abuja. I pleaded that such an execution should not happen.”
Gowon expressed relief that his efforts and prayers helped change the outcome. “I’m glad that soon after that, things changed. Not only was Obasanjo released from prison, but he also became our president in 1999,” he said.
He added that Obasanjo’s eventual presidency was a testament to the power of prayer and sincerity.
Gowon also commended the Plateau State government for organizing the Christmas carol, emphasizing its role in fostering unity among the state’s people.
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