Military leadership focused on succession rather than Abacha's burial, Abdulsalami Abubakar reveals

Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar retd., has disclosed that military leaders during Gen. Sani Abacha's regime prioritized succession politics over the late general's burial. Abubakar, in his 264-page autobiography 'Call of Duty,' stated that Abacha died of a heart attack on June 8, 1998, contrary to poisoning claims. He recounted that senior military officers, including himself, were caught in confusion following Abacha's sudden death after five years in power. Abubakar revealed that an 'inner caucus' at the Presidential Villa was more interested in selecting the next Head of State than in burial preparations. He described how a trip to Kano for the burial was orchestrated to keep him and other key figures away from Abuja while a succession plan was being finalized. Abubakar also detailed a direct contest between himself and Lt-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi for the position, which he won, becoming Nigeria's 11th Head of State. He recounted being mysteriously locked in a waiting room at the Presidential Villa with Bamaiyi for nearly an hour before being informed of Abacha's death by the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie. The autobiography was presented at an event marking Abubakar's 84th birthday, attended by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other dignitaries.