Former Head of State, , has revealed that some politicians who publicly supported Chief during the June 12 crisis were secretly aligned with the government, while others collected money from both Abiola and his opponent, .
The revelations are contained in Chapter 16 of Abubakar’s autobiography, Call of Duty, where he offers a candid assessment of Nigeria’s political class and their role during key moments in the nation’s history.
According to him, Tofa once narrated how some politicians approached him for funds to mobilise supporters, promising to deliver votes in their wards. After giving them money, Tofa later visited the state chairman of Abiola’s SDP and was shocked to find the same politicians there seeking support from the opposing camp.
Abubakar noted that despite the assurances, Tofa eventually lost both Kano State and his own ward to Abiola, describing the incident as a reflection of how politicians often operate.
The former military leader also recounted his experience during the crisis that split the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) into factions loyal to and in the early 1980s.
He said he was stunned to see politicians from both camps socialising, dining and laughing together at a private gathering, despite publicly portraying themselves as bitter rivals while their supporters clashed.
According to him, the experience reinforced his belief that many politicians exploit ethnic, religious and political divisions for personal gain while maintaining cordial relationships behind closed doors.
Abubakar said he witnessed a similar pattern during the June 12 crisis, claiming that some individuals widely perceived as supporters of Abiola were, in reality, working with the government.
Reflecting on the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, he explained that he was serving as Chief of Policy and Plans at Army Headquarters when then military president cancelled the election.
Although he maintained a close relationship with Babangida, Abubakar said he was not part of the transition structure or the Armed Forces Ruling Council and therefore had no direct role in the decision-making process.
He urged Nigerians to be wary of politicians who use ethnic and religious sentiments to divide the population, stressing that many political opponents who appear hostile in public often maintain friendly relationships in private.
According to him, ordinary citizens are frequently used as pawns in political struggles without knowing what truly happens behind the scenes.
