Abdulsalami Abubakar Warned Obasanjo Against 1999 Run

In his autobiography unveiled in Abuja during his 84th birthday celebration, former head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) disclosed that he advised former President Olusegun Obasanjo not to contest the 1999 presidential election. Abubakar's counsel was based on Obasanjo's difficult experiences during General Sani Abacha's administration.

He believed that Obasanjo should focus on rebuilding his life after his release from prison rather than returning to politics. Abubakar recounted a meeting with Obasanjo in 1998, where he discussed the potential legal actions Obasanjo considered against the federal government and the uncertainties of pursuing such litigation.

Despite discouraging Obasanjo from entering the presidential race, Abubakar maintained that his administration did not endorse or sponsor Obasanjo's candidacy. He emphasized that the military government had a policy of releasing political detainees and granting pardons without favoritism.

Abubakar also explained the timing of the transition to civilian rule, which took place in May 1999, to avoid judicial disputes.