Jos, Nigeria — Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retired), has disclosed that he personally intervened to prevent the execution of former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha. Gowon revealed this at the maiden edition of the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival, organized by the Plateau State Government.
In his remarks at the event, Gowon recounted how he pleaded with Abacha in 1995, urging him to reconsider the death sentence imposed on Obasanjo, who had been convicted of an alleged coup plot against the military government. Obasanjo had consistently maintained his innocence.
A Midnight Plea for Mercy
Gowon described how he sent a letter to Abacha through his wife under the cover of night, appealing to the dictator’s sense of morality and urging him to act as a leader chosen by God to do good, not harm.
“I wrote a letter to Abacha, pleading with him that such a thing should not happen. I sent my wife with the letter in the middle of the night to Abuja,” Gowon said. “I’m glad that soon after that, things changed. Not only did Obasanjo leave prison, but he also became our president in 1999.”
Obasanjo, initially sentenced to death, spent three years in prison before his release in 1998, following Abacha’s death on June 8 of that year. Gowon expressed gratitude that both he and Obasanjo could now reflect on the past in unity, celebrating the peace efforts in Plateau State.
A Platform for Unity and Healing
The carol, held in Jos South Local Government Area, had Gowon as the Special Guest of Honour and Obasanjo as the Guest of Honour. The event, also attended by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other dignitaries, was lauded as a step toward fostering unity in a state that has endured significant security challenges.
“This carol provides a suitable avenue for the people of Plateau to commune, heal, and unite,” Gowon said, adding that he was encouraged by the state government’s commitment to peacebuilding.
Obasanjo, in his response, acknowledged Gowon’s intervention for the first time, expressing his gratitude for the effort.
The gathering underscored the power of reconciliation and prayer, offering a poignant reminder of Nigeria’s complex political history and the enduring hope for national unity.