“My Outspokenness Landed Me In Prison Under Abacha,” Says Obasanjo

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has shed light on the circumstances surrounding his imprisonment during General Sani Abacha’s regime in 1995.

Speaking during an interactive session with 15 young leaders at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo attributed his arrest to his outspoken nature and refusal to remain silent on critical national and international issues.

“Going into prison is really a challenge because I refused to keep quiet. For me, if there was anything to comment on, I did, and so, I landed in prison,” he said.

Obasanjo explained that the challenges he endured in prison stemmed from his unwavering commitment to speaking out on matters he considered important.

Reflecting on his release, he highlighted how Nigeria’s situation deteriorated, leading to increased calls for change.

“When I came out of prison, the situation in the country was so bad that some people felt the need for salvation, and the pressure started coming,” he added.