By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Former Nigerian Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar has revealed that he shortened Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule after taking power on June 8, 1998, following the death of Sani Abacha. Speaking in excerpts from his autobiography Call of Duty, Abubakar explained why he rejected Abacha’s transition plan, how consultations with military leaders and civilians shaped a new roadmap, when the revised process ended in May 1999, and where the final handover produced Nigeria’s return to democratic governance under Olusegun Obasanjo.
Abdulsalami Abubakar Rejected Abacha’s Transition Programme
Abubakar said he had no political ambition when he assumed office. However, he believed the transition framework inherited from Abacha lacked public confidence.
According to him, maintaining the existing arrangement would have undermined national stability. Therefore, his administration reset the process and abandoned the planned October 1, 1998 handover date.
Initially, he proposed a six-month transition schedule that would have delivered civilian government by March 1999.
Why the Transition Extended to May 1999
Abubakar disclosed that consultations with senior military officers and the judiciary influenced the final timeline.
At the time, then Chief Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais advised that courts would require at least 60 days after elections to resolve legal disputes.
As a result, the government shifted the inauguration date to May 1999.
He stressed that the adjustment reflected judicial considerations rather than political calculations.
Pressure to Delay Democracy
Abubakar said several stakeholders opposed the rapid transition.
According to him, some military colleagues, regional leaders in West Africa and members of the international community believed more time was necessary.
He also revealed that some members of the National Democratic Coalition initially doubted the administration’s commitment.
However, as confidence grew, some reportedly requested additional time to prepare politically.
Abubakar said he refused to extend the programme without public accountability.
He challenged them to submit a formal request and publicly defend the extension. They declined.
Why the Military Needed to Leave Politics
The former Head of State argued that prolonged military involvement weakened the armed forces.
He said many experienced officers left professional duties to administer government functions.
According to him, political appointments disrupted military hierarchy and discipline.
Abubakar also warned that divisions based on ethnicity, religion and state interests had begun affecting military cohesion.
He maintained that returning power to civilians became necessary to preserve national stability and restore professionalism.
How the Vatsa Coup Investigation Nearly Drew Him In
Abubakar also recounted how events linked to the alleged 1985 coup plot involving Mamman Vatsa briefly placed him under investigation.
At the time, he served as Commander of the 9th Brigade and attended a social gathering hosted by Victor Malu in Port Harcourt.
Unknown to him, individuals later connected to the alleged coup activities were present.
Consequently, investigators invited him to appear before a Special Investigation Panel chaired by Sani Sami.
Abubakar said he cooperated fully because he had no knowledge of the alleged plot.
New Memoir Set for Public Presentation
Abubakar’s autobiography, Call of Duty, is scheduled for public presentation on June 13, 2026, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
The event will be chaired by former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, while former South African President Thabo Mbeki is expected to deliver the keynote address.
The memoir explores Nigeria’s democratic transition, military governance and key moments that shaped the country’s political history.
