Nigeria's oldest living former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has revealed that he never harbored any ambition to lead the country. He made this disclosure during the public presentation of his memoir, titled 'Yakubu Gowon: Reflections on Leadership and Legacy,' held in Abuja on May 19, 2026.
The event was attended by prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, former Heads of State Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Chief of Army Staff General Theophilus Danjuma, and businessman Aliko Dangote. Gowon explained that his rise to power was unexpected and that he was uplifted by circumstances beyond his control.
Gowon, who led Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, including during the civil war, emphasized that leadership should be a service, not a pursuit of personal ambition. The memoir provides insights into his tenure and reflections on Nigeria's history.
