Former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has dismissed long-standing claims that the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was poisoned, maintaining that an international autopsy concluded that the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election died from natural causes.
Abdulsalami made the disclosure in his memoir, Call of Duty, launched during events marking his 84th birthday in Abuja. According to him, pathologists from Nigeria, the United States, Britain, and Canada conducted an autopsy at the request of Abiola’s family, and their findings showed no evidence of poisoning.
Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of Nigeria’s most credible presidential election, died in detention on June 7, 1998, after being imprisoned by the military government of the late Sani Abacha for declaring himself president.
In the book, Abdulsalami recounted that Abiola collapsed during a meeting with a visiting American delegation led by former U.S. diplomat Thomas Pickering and former U.S. official Susan Rice.
He explained that Abiola had a history of serious health challenges, including hypertension and heart-related ailments. Medical reports dating back to 1994 reportedly showed signs of hypertensive heart disease and an enlarged heart.
Drawing from Rice’s memoir, Abdulsalami said Abiola began coughing repeatedly during the meeting before showing signs of severe distress. He complained of feeling excessively hot and requested stronger air conditioning before his condition worsened.
According to accounts from the American delegation, Abiola later struggled to breathe and became visibly distressed. Medical personnel were summoned and diagnosed what appeared to be a heart attack. He was rushed for emergency treatment, but efforts to save him were unsuccessful.
Abdulsalami recalled receiving the devastating news from his Chief Security Officer, retired Major General Abdulrasheed Aliyu, describing the moment as one that left him shocked and speechless. He subsequently informed Abiola’s family, where emotions ran high as relatives received confirmation of his death.
The former military leader argued that allowing the American delegation access to Abiola helped ensure transparency, noting that conspiracy theories might have been even stronger had Abiola died without independent witnesses present.
Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo revealed that Abdulsalami had been actively working toward securing Abiola’s release before his death.
Speaking during the book presentation, Obasanjo said Abdulsalami successfully managed the political uncertainty that followed Abacha’s death and facilitated the release of several political detainees, including himself. He disclosed that plans for Abiola’s freedom were already at an advanced stage and that Abiola’s son, Kola, had arrived in Abuja to receive his father when news of his death emerged.
Obasanjo recalled that Abdulsalami personally kept him informed about efforts to secure Abiola’s release and maintained communication with the family throughout the process. He said he vividly remembered receiving a phone call from Abdulsalami informing him that “our man is dead.”
The former president also praised Abdulsalami’s leadership qualities, citing his role in preserving the controversial Land Use Act through extensive consultations with community leaders and stakeholders.
In another revelation, retired Major General Abdulrasheed Aliyu disclosed that Abdulsalami resisted intense pressure from some military officers who wanted him to extend his transition programme after taking over power in 1998.
According to Aliyu, opinions within the military were divided. While some officers supported the six-month transition timetable, others advocated an extension, arguing that civilians were not yet prepared to govern.
Aliyu said he conveyed those concerns to Abdulsalami, who firmly rejected the proposal. The former Head of State reportedly insisted that his responsibility was to make decisions in the national interest and remained committed to handing over power as planned.
The event also featured tributes from former President Goodluck Jonathan, who described Abdulsalami as a statesman dedicated to peace and national development. Jonathan praised his role in guiding Nigeria through a peaceful democratic transition and his continued advocacy for unity.
Similarly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio credited Abdulsalami’s decision to relinquish power in 1999 with laying the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic institutions.
Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon also called on Nigerians, particularly young people, to emulate Abdulsalami’s patriotism, commitment to justice, and dedication to national unity, while urging citizens to promote harmony across ethnic and religious divides.