May 29, 1999: The Day General Abdulsalami Handed Power To Obasanjo

On May 29, 1999, Nigeria witnessed a historic transfer of power as General Abdulsalami Abubakar formally handed over leadership to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, ending more than 15 years of continuous military rule.The moment marked the return of civilian government and the birth of the Fourth Republic, raising widespread hopes for democracy, freedom, and better governance.On Nigeria Daily, we revisit that defining day, hear from Nigerians who witnessed the transition firsthand, and examine how far the country has come since power moved from the barracks to the ballot box.