NADECO Leaders Dispute Former Head of State’s Account of Transition and Abiola’s Death

Prominent leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) have publicly rejected claims made by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, in his newly released autobiography, “Call of Duty.”

The former military ruler’s book alleges that certain NADECO leaders privately appealed to him to extend military rule during his 1998 transition administration. Furthermore, Abubakar maintained that the late winner of the 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, died of natural causes linked to hypertension and heart disease, dismissing long-standing allegations that the politician was poisoned.

In response, retired Colonel Tony Nyiam and former NADECO General Secretary, Chief Ayo Opadokun, characterized these assertions as inaccurate. Nyiam, a key figure in the coalition’s overseas chapter, stated that he was unaware of any recognized NADECO leader seeking an extension of military governance. He emphasized that the group’s core objective throughout the struggle was to end military dictatorship and restore democratic order.

Nyiam explained that the coalition’s primary demand at the time was for a credible transition process, specifically advocating for a people-centered constitution formulated through a national conference. He suggested that Abubakar may have been misinformed or was providing an incomplete account of the discussions held with the coalition’s representatives.

Echoing these sentiments, Chief Ayo Opadokun noted that Abubakar appeared to have fundamentally misconstrued conversations held with NADECO emissaries. According to Opadokun, the coalition had urged the military government to form a government of national unity headed by Abiola, rather than requesting an extension of military rule. He argued that the group’s focus was on establishing stability and a valid constitution before proceeding with democratic elections.

Regarding the death of MKO Abiola, both leaders expressed deep skepticism toward the former Head of State’s official version of events. Nyiam challenged the conclusion that Abiola died from natural causes, asserting that the circumstances surrounding his death remained deeply suspicious. He further urged the former leader to provide more transparency regarding those who remained committed to the struggle versus those who allegedly betrayed the cause during that period.

The dispute highlights lingering tensions regarding Nigeria’s transition to democracy, as key figures from the era continue to debate the details of the negotiations and events that shaped the nation’s political landscape in the late 1990s.