Two prominent figures of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Col. Tony Nyiam (retd.) and Chief Ayo Opadokun, have disputed claims made by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), regarding events surrounding Nigeria’s democratic transition in 1998 and the death of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
The controversy followed comments contained in Abdulsalami’s recently released autobiography, in which he stated that some NADECO leaders privately encouraged him to extend military rule after becoming convinced of his commitment to a democratic handover.
According to the former military leader, the request was made shortly after he assumed office, but he declined the proposal and challenged those involved to publicly acknowledge it if they stood by their position.
Abdulsalami also maintained that Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, was not poisoned. He cited findings from an international autopsy team which reportedly concluded that Abiola died from health complications linked to hypertension and heart disease.
Responding to the claims, Nyiam dismissed the suggestion that recognised leaders of NADECO ever sought an extension of military rule. He argued that the coalition was established to end military governance and restore democratic rule, making such a request inconsistent with its core objectives.
Nyiam explained that discussions between NADECO leaders and representatives of the military government focused on ensuring a credible democratic transition and the adoption of a constitution developed through broad national consultation rather than prolonging military administration.
He recalled meetings involving several prominent pro-democracy figures in exile, where participants consistently advocated for a genuine return to civilian rule and the establishment of democratic institutions.
The retired military officer further questioned Abdulsalami’s account of Abiola’s death, insisting that many people involved in the pro-democracy struggle remained unconvinced by official explanations surrounding the circumstances of the late politician’s passing.
Similarly, former NADECO General Secretary, Chief Ayo Opadokun, said the former Head of State may have misinterpreted discussions held between his emissaries and NADECO members abroad.
According to Opadokun, the coalition’s position was that the country should first establish a widely accepted constitutional framework before conducting elections. He stated that the proposal centred on political stability and democratic legitimacy rather than extending military rule.
He also revealed that NADECO advocated the formation of a government of national unity led by Abiola as part of efforts to resolve the political crisis of the period.
Both leaders maintained that neither they nor other key figures within the pro-democracy movement requested a prolongation of military governance, insisting that their objective remained the restoration of democratic rule and respect for the mandate of the June 12 election.
