Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has said his newly released autobiography was written to explain the difficult decisions taken during his administration and provide insight into one of the most turbulent periods in Nigeria’s history.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Gowon stated this ahead of the public presentation of the autobiography scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The event is expected to attract top political figures, military veterans, diplomats and other dignitaries from across the country.
President Bola Tinubu is billed as the Special Guest of Honour, while former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), will officially unveil the book.
Gowon reflects on turbulent era
The 881-page autobiography, chronicles Gowon’s personal life, leadership journey and reflections on major events in Nigeria’s history, including the Nigerian Civil War fought between 1967 and 1970.
The memoir also details his early years and his unexpected emergence as Nigeria’s leader during a period of political uncertainty and national tension.
Speaking ahead of the launch, the former military leader explained that the memoir was not written to revive painful memories, but to present his perspective on events that have largely been interpreted by others over the years.
“By choosing to write, I took a conscious decision not to reopen old wounds but to clarify my thinking on policies and plans at a period often narrated by others,” Gowon said.
He added, “My story is one of conviction evaluated by circumstances at the crossroads of expectations and reality.”
The autobiography launch is expected to be one of the major political and historical events of the year, with several prominent Nigerians expected in attendance.
President Tinubu is expected to lead other dignitaries at the event, while Danjuma will formally present the book to the public.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that born in 1934, Gowon became Nigeria’s Head of State and Commander-in-Chief on August 1, 1966, following a period of political instability that reshaped the country’s leadership structure.
He remained in office for nine years before he was overthrown in 1975.
Following his exit from power, Gowon pursued further studies abroad and later obtained a PhD in Political Science from the University of Warwick in 1984.