Obasanjo reveals how he escaped assassination under Abacha’s regime

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has recounted a chilling episode from Nigeria’s military past, revealing how he narrowly escaped an alleged assassination plot masterminded by the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

Speaking over the weekend during an event in Imo State, Obasanjo described the period as one of Nigeria’s darkest chapters, marked by political oppression, human rights abuses, and targeted eliminations.

According to the former leader, it was only by divine intervention that he survived the same fate that befell notable figures like Chief MKO Abiola and General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, both of whom died under suspicious circumstances during Abacha’s brutal military rule.

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Obasanjo was in Ogbor Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise, to commission a magnificent Assemblies of God church building, “The Noah’s Ark,” constructed by philanthropist and real estate mogul, Engr. Success Akagburuonye.

Addressing the congregation, the former president recalled his ordeal under Abacha’s regime.

He recounted that after his arrest, he initially thought it was a misunderstanding until it became clear that Abacha was determined to eliminate him alongside Abiola and Yar’Adua to hold on to power indefinitely.

According to him, Abacha boasted that the three of them would not leave prison alive.

“Two of us did not make it out. I did, not because of my power but by the special grace of God,” Obasanjo said.

He explained that in detention, he surrendered to God, praying a version of Stephen’s biblical prayer but asking for forgiveness for his persecutors whether they knew what they were doing or not.

Obasanjo described himself as a man who has continually enjoyed God’s grace. He recalled how, out of nine Nigerians who graduated with him in a 1959 course in Ghana, only two are still alive today.

“I am not mocking those who are not alive, but I acknowledge God’s grace because it’s not that we are better than them,” he said.

Obasanjo commended Akagburuonye for dedicating his resources to build the impressive Noah’s Ark church, likening the grace of God in the businessman’s life to his own. He also paid tribute to the philanthropist’s mother, who is 104 years old, kneeling to receive the blessing of long life.

The Noah’s Ark church, modeled after the biblical ark, was dedicated on May 24, 2025.

The ceremony drew a large crowd, including church leaders, traditional rulers, political figures, captains of industry, and dignitaries such as Rev. Dr. Sarah Seoh from the USA and Rev. Abel Ukachi Amadi, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church Nigeria.

Akagburuonye explained that the church stands as a symbol of faith, obedience, and God’s promise to protect those who trust in Him.

He likened the project to Noah’s biblical mission, which was met with ridicule but ultimately fulfilled God’s purpose.

“This ark teaches us about staying faithful even when others doubt us,” he said.