Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed why he rejected an offer of political asylum in the United States despite receiving a warning that the military government of the late General Sani Abacha was planning to arrest him.
Obasanjo disclosed that the offer was made in 1995 by the then United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, who reportedly warned him against returning to the country because of an impending arrest.
According to the former president, Carrington contacted him while he was in Copenhagen, Denmark, attending the World Social Summit in his capacity as the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Ambassador.
Obasanjo said the American diplomat informed him that the Abacha-led military government was planning to arrest him upon his return to Nigeria. Carrington consequently advised him to remain abroad and offered him political asylum in the United States as a means of protecting him from the planned arrest.
However, despite appreciating the gesture and recognising the possible danger awaiting him at home, Obasanjo said he decided not to accept the offer.
He explained that although the asylum offer was tempting and reassuring, he believed he had done nothing wrong to justify abandoning his country or seeking refuge abroad.
In his account, Obasanjo said he returned to Nigeria despite Carrington’s warning and was subsequently arrested and imprisoned by the Abacha administration.
The former president also recalled that his troubles with the military government followed his criticism of Abacha’s continued hold on power and his position that the former military ruler should remove his uniform and participate in democratic elections if he wanted to become president.
Obasanjo had also spoken about confronting Abacha over the arrest of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, who was detained over an alleged coup plot.
He said his decision to question the circumstances surrounding Yar’Adua’s arrest further strained his relationship with the military government.
Following his return to Nigeria, Obasanjo was eventually arrested in 1995 and accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot against Abacha’s government. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, although the sentence was later reduced.
The former president maintained that he had not committed any offence that warranted his detention.
Obasanjo Appreciates Carrington’s Support
While recounting the incident, Obasanjo expressed profound appreciation for Carrington’s friendship and support during one of the most difficult periods of his life.
He disclosed that even after his arrest and imprisonment, the former American ambassador continued to demonstrate concern for his welfare and that of his family.
According to him, Carrington was among the few foreign diplomats who regularly visited his wife while he was in detention, offering encouragement and checking on his condition.
Obasanjo described the late diplomat as a true friend and brother, adding that his assistance to his family during his imprisonment was something he would remain grateful for.
He also commended Carrington’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development, describing him as one of the respected international voices that supported the country’s return to democratic governance.
Carrington’s Role During Nigeria’s Military Era
Walter Carrington served as the United States Ambassador to Nigeria from 1993 to 1997, a period marked by political tension, military rule and growing international pressure over Nigeria’s democratic future.
His diplomatic tenure coincided with the administration of Abacha, whose government faced criticism over political repression, arrests of perceived opponents and restrictions on democratic activities.
Carrington was particularly remembered by Obasanjo for his willingness to stand by Nigerians who faced political difficulties during the period.
Obasanjo’s account of the asylum offer provides further insight into the political atmosphere surrounding his arrest and imprisonment in 1995.
The former president’s decision to reject the offer, return to Nigeria and subsequently face imprisonment remains a significant episode in his political history.
His recollection also highlights the personal relationship he maintained with Carrington, whose support extended beyond diplomatic responsibilities to include assistance to his family during his years in detention.