Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has revealed how he intervened to save ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo from execution during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha. Speaking at the Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos on Friday, Gowon recounted how he pleaded with Abacha to spare Obasanjo’s life after the former president was sentenced to death in 1995 over an alleged coup plot.
Gowon disclosed that he wrote a letter to Abacha, urging him to reconsider the decision, and sent his wife to personally deliver the message in Abuja late at night. “I felt so bad about it. Such a thing should not happen,” Gowon said. “I pleaded, ‘God has put you in this position, but do not go to the extent of doing what you planned.’”
Obasanjo was eventually released in 1998 following Abacha’s death and went on to become Nigeria’s president in 1999 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Gowon attributed Obasanjo’s survival and release to divine intervention, expressing gratitude that both he and Obasanjo were able to attend the event in Jos. “It is something only God, through prayers and sincerity, can do. Today, we are here together to celebrate Jesus and thank God for what He has done,” Gowon said.
The festival, centered on unity and thanksgiving, brought together leaders and citizens to reflect on faith and gratitude, highlighting moments of reconciliation and hope in Nigeria’s history.
