Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has explained why he transferred power to a democratically elected government within 11 months of assuming office in 1998, describing the move as both a political necessity and a moral obligation to restore stability and unity in Nigeria.
Abdulsalami made the remarks during the celebration of his 84th birthday and the public presentation of three books documenting his life, leadership journey, and contributions to peacebuilding and nation-building.
The event, held at the State House in Abuja and themed “The Legacy of a Statesman @ 84,” featured the unveiling of his autobiography, “A Call of Duty: My Autobiography,” alongside “Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honor of General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar,” and “Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, GCFR.”
Abdulsalami served as Nigeria’s Head of State between June 1998 and May 1999, succeeding the late General Sani Abacha and later handing over power to former President Olusegun Obasanjo following a democratic transition.
Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding his emergence as leader, Abdulsalami said Nigeria was facing deep political divisions and widespread calls for democratic governance after years of military rule.
“History is a way of defining the destiny of nations through critical moments,” he said.
“When I assumed office as Head of State in 1998, Nigeria stood at a crossroads, a nation yearning for stability, democracy and good governance.”
He noted that demands for a return to civilian rule came from political leaders, civil society organisations, members of the international community, and ordinary Nigerians who were tired of prolonged military governance.
According to him, he immediately committed to ensuring a swift and credible transition to democratic rule.
Abdulsalami said his administration worked closely with members of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, the Federal Executive Council, military leaders, and the media to fulfil that promise.
“We had to depart from the era of decrees and fashion out workable constitutional arrangements to legitimise the transition from military rule to democratic governance,” he said.
The former military leader stressed that leadership should be defined by service rather than authority.
“Leadership is not about power but about responsibility, and the best way to lead is to serve with integrity.”
He explained that within 11 months, his administration successfully completed a transition programme that culminated in the inauguration of a civilian government on May 29, 1999, bringing an end to more than 15 years of uninterrupted military rule.
Describing the decision as one rooted in principle, Abdulsalami said restoring democracy was essential to rebuilding national unity and ensuring long-term stability.
“True to this commitment, within 11 months, my administration midwifed the transition that restored democratic governance to Nigeria on May 29, 1999.
“This was not just a political necessity but a moral imperative to set our nation on the path of stability, unity and progress.”
He expressed optimism that future generations would continue strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding the country’s democratic culture.
One of the major highlights of the event was the launch of Abdulsalami’s autobiography, which offers a firsthand account of some of Nigeria’s most significant political moments.
The book revisits key events including the Nigerian Civil War, military coups between 1966 and 1993, the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the political crisis that followed, General Ibrahim Babangida’s exit from power, the deaths of General Sani Abacha and Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, and the process that led to the creation of the 1999 Constitution.
It also chronicles his peace-building and mediation efforts across Africa after leaving office.
Abdulsalami said retirement from public office did not end his commitment to national and continental service.
Instead, he shifted his focus to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and mediation initiatives.
According to him, this vision inspired the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies in Minna, which serves as a platform for research, dialogue, and engagement on conflict management and nation-building.
“Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of justice,” he said.
He also highlighted the creation of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Resource Centre in Abuja, which he said was established to preserve and promote the values of peace, dialogue, and responsible leadership.
The former Head of State further commended members of the National Peace Committee (NPC), which he chairs, for their role in promoting peaceful elections and democratic stability in Nigeria.
He praised the committee’s efforts in fostering dialogue among political actors, civil society organisations, and security agencies, noting that their interventions have contributed significantly to credible and peaceful electoral processes.
“I would like to thank the distinguished members of the committee for their commitment and tireless efforts,” he said.
Abdulsalami also called on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious bodies, and the media to continue championing peace, justice, and national unity.
Another major feature of the event was the unveiling of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre by former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim.
The centre is expected to serve as a hub for research and documentation on leadership, governance, peacebuilding, and democratic development across Africa.
