Nigerians are pawns in politicians’ games — Abdulsalami

Former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has revealed that some politicians who publicly supported late businessman and politician Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola during the June 12 crisis were secretly aligned with the government, while others collected money from both Abiola and his rival, Bashir Tofa, during the 1993 presidential election.

The revelations are contained in Chapter 16 of Abdulsalami’s 264-page autobiography, Call of Duty, unveiled in Abuja.

According to the former military ruler, Tofa once narrated how some politicians approached him for funds to mobilise support in their wards, promising to deliver votes in his favour. However, Tofa later discovered the same individuals at the office of the state chairman of Abiola’s party, the Social Democratic Party (Nigeria).

Abdulsalami said Tofa eventually lost Kano State and even his own ward to Abiola, describing the episode as a reflection of the nature of Nigerian politics.

The former Head of State also recounted an experience from the early 1980s during the crisis within the People’s Redemption Party. He said he was shocked to find politicians from rival factions loyal to Aminu Kano and Abubakar Rimi dining and socialising together despite publicly attacking one another.

He said the incident reinforced his belief that Nigerian politicians often exploit ethnic and religious divisions for political gain while maintaining cordial relationships behind closed doors.

Abdulsalami disclosed that he witnessed similar behaviour during the June 12 crisis, noting that many Nigerians were unaware that some of those perceived as allies of Abiola were, in reality, working with the government.

On the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, Abdulsalami said he was serving as Chief of Policy and Plans at Army Headquarters and was not part of the transition programme or a member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council under the administration of Ibrahim Babangida.

Although he was personally close to Babangida, he said he was not obligated to receive explanations about the decision to annul the election.

The former Head of State urged Nigerians not to allow politicians to manipulate them or sow divisions along ethnic and religious lines, insisting that ordinary citizens often become pawns in political games while politicians from opposing camps continue to maintain private relationships.