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Doyin Okupe, the former Director General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, has revealed that Bola Tinubu informed MKO Abiola of the exact time he would be arrested by the military government after declaring himself president in 1993.
In a detailed account shared on his official X handle, Okupe recounted the events of that fateful evening. He explained that around 10 PM, Tinubu called from the United States to warn Abiola. At the time, Abiola was eating, so Okupe answered the call and then handed the phone to Abiola, announcing that it was Tinubu.
Following their conversation, Abiola informed those present that Tinubu had confirmed his imminent arrest, specifying it would happen at midnight. When the soldiers arrived to arrest him, Abiola's wife, Kudirat, courageously tried to prevent them from entering the house by barricading the gate. Despite her efforts, the soldiers forced their way in and took Abiola into custody.
Okupe shared these details in a post on his social media account on Sunday evening, reflecting on the tense moments leading up to Abiola's arrest.
"At about 10 PM, Senator Bola Tinubu called him from the US on his phone, which I picked because he was eating. I handed the phone to him after announcing the caller. After their discussion, Abiola told us that Tinubu has confirmed the time of arrest would be at midnight," Okupe wrote.
This revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes efforts to warn and protect Abiola, highlighting Tinubu's role in informing him of the impending danger. The account also underscores the bravery of Kudirat Abiola, who attempted to shield her husband from the soldiers, and adds a poignant dimension to the historical narrative surrounding Abiola's declaration and subsequent arrest.