Obasanjo: My Jail Experience Under Abacha Was Price of Standing on Principle

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that his imprisonment during the military regime of late Head of State Sani Abacha was the price he paid for standing firmly on principle.
Obasanjo made the remark while speaking at an international colloquium titled “Burden and Blessing of Leadership: Reflections from Global Africa to the World,” held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as part of activities marking his 89th birthday.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former president reflected on his experiences in leadership, describing it as both a heavy burden and a profound blessing.
Obasanjo explained that leadership often demands sacrifices and difficult decisions, noting that his imprisonment under the Abacha regime was one of the most challenging moments of his life. He said the experience, however, strengthened his belief in the importance of integrity, courage, and commitment to national interest.
The former president was arrested in 1995 and jailed by the military government after being accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot against Abacha. He spent about three years in prison before being released following Abacha’s death in 1998.
Speaking at the event, Obasanjo urged current and future leaders to remain guided by strong values and principles, emphasizing that true leadership requires resilience and the willingness to endure hardship for the greater good.
He also highlighted the importance of responsible leadership across Africa, stating that leaders must prioritise the welfare of citizens and the long-term development of their nations.
The colloquium attracted prominent scholars, diplomats, political leaders, and public figures who gathered to reflect on leadership and governance in Africa and beyond.