Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar: The Soldier Who Stood for Democracy
From military governor to fearless critic of dictatorship, Abubakar Dangiwa Umar’s legacy reflects courage, conviction, and an unrelenting commitment to justice in Nigeria’s political history.
Early Life and Education
Abubakar Dangiwa Umar was born on 21 September 1949 in Kano State, Nigeria, though he hails originally from the Kaduna region. He grew up in Northern Nigeria during a period of significant political and military transformation. His early education was marked by academic diligence and discipline — traits that later defined his military career.
He attended the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, where he trained as a cadet officer. His education there exposed him to leadership, strategy, and governance, setting the foundation for a distinguished military career. He later underwent advanced military courses both within Nigeria and abroad, gaining expertise in armoured warfare and command leadership.
Military Career and Rise to Power
During the 1970s and early 1980s, Umar served in various military postings across Nigeria, where he earned a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and discipline. His loyalty and performance brought him to national prominence.
Following the military coup of August 1985, which brought General Ibrahim Babangida to power after the ouster of Major General Muhammadu Buhari, Umar was appointed the Military Governor of Kaduna State at the youthful age of 36.
As Governor of Kaduna State (1985–1988), he focused on administrative reforms, public service discipline, and infrastructure development. He was widely respected for his fairness, commitment to merit, and insistence on accountability within government circles. His tenure was marked by a pragmatic and disciplined approach to governance, earning him the admiration of both civilians and military colleagues.
Courage During Political Turmoil
By the early 1990s, Umar had risen to the position of Colonel and Commander of the Armoured Corps Center and School. His defining moment, however, came in 1993—a turbulent year in Nigeria’s political history.
When General Babangida annulled the June 12 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, Colonel Umar took a bold and unprecedented stand. Unlike most officers who remained silent or complicit, he openly condemned the annulment, describing it as a “betrayal of the nation’s democratic aspirations.”
His courageous opposition placed him at odds with the military hierarchy. Umar began reaching out to sympathetic officers within the army in an effort to uphold the will of the people and restore Abiola’s mandate. His actions were viewed as subversive, and in October 1994, he was detained on suspicion of conspiracy.
Although never charged, his detention marked the end of his military career. Upon his release, Umar resigned from the Nigerian Army, choosing instead to pursue a life of activism and advocacy for democratic governance.
Life After the Military
After leaving the army, Colonel Umar founded the Movement for Unity and Progress (MUP), a political platform dedicated to promoting democracy, social justice, and good governance. His transition from a soldier to a public intellectual was seamless—his writings and public statements soon became respected for their clarity, courage, and moral authority.
Over the years, he has been one of the few voices consistently speaking truth to power, regardless of who is in office. His essays and interviews often address issues such as corruption, ethnic division, insecurity, and abuse of power.
Colonel Umar remains a respected elder statesman known for his principled stance and unwavering belief in Nigeria’s unity. He has continued to call for equity, fairness, and responsible leadership, urging Nigerian youths to resist divisive politics and fight for the nation’s collective good.
Personal Life and Legacy
While Colonel Umar keeps much of his family life private, he is known to be deeply family-oriented and maintains a modest lifestyle. His intellectual engagements and public commentary reflect a man more committed to national ideals than personal gain.
Today, Umar’s name is synonymous with moral courage in the face of political oppression. His rare blend of military discipline and democratic conviction has made him one of Nigeria’s most respected voices of conscience.
References:
The Guardian Nigeria (2021). “Abubakar Dangiwa Umar: The Soldier Who Defied Power.”
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