The Nigerian leader who voluntarily handed over power to a civilian government in 1979 was
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Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation:
General Olusegun Obasanjo became military head of state in 1976 after Murtala Mohammed’s assassination. He honored the transition plan by conducting elections and handing power to Shehu Shagari in October 1979. This peaceful transfer marked the first voluntary handover from military to civilian rule in Nigeria. Obasanjo’s action was praised domestically and internationally as a step toward democratic stability. His leadership set a precedent later followed by General Abdulsalami Abubakar in 1999.
General Olusegun Obasanjo became military head of state in 1976 after Murtala Mohammed’s assassination. He honored the transition plan by conducting elections and handing power to Shehu Shagari in October 1979. This peaceful transfer marked the first voluntary handover from military to civilian rule in Nigeria. Obasanjo’s action was praised domestically and internationally as a step toward democratic stability. His leadership set a precedent later followed by General Abdulsalami Abubakar in 1999.