Abubakar

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• Democracy is 'in'
• Military not to blame for Abiola death
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ABUJA, Nigeria (CNN) -- Despite decades of military rule and deep-rooted political divisions in Nigeria, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar believes his plan to return democracy next year to Africa's most populous nation -- and a major oil exporter -- will succeed.

"I believe it is going to work," he said in an exclusive interview with CNN. "Agreed, in the past there have been mistakes here and there. You know, everything is a learning process, and I think we are doing fine."

It was the first interview ever given by Abubakar, who came to power six weeks ago and announced Monday that presidential elections would be held early next year. His plan, unveiled in a speech seen on national television, calls for a return to civilian government in May 1999.

CNN's Bob Coen interviews Gen. Abubakar in Abuja

In his address, Abubakar also said his administration had released all political "detainees" -- a term that in Nigeria means prisoners arrested without charge -- and said charges against all political prisoners would be dismissed.

Ethnic and regional division have dominated Nigerian politics, providing the military with an excuse to retain power for all but 10 years since independence from Britain in 1960.

Asked why the world should now trust a military leader's promise, Abubakar told CNN "a democratic system is the 'in' thing now."

The military would not want to "destabilize the system," he said in the 20-minute interview conducted in Abuja's State House. "The military is aware of its constitutional duties, and I believe the military will continue to safeguard the territorial integrity of Nigeria."

The new leader has scrapped the five discredited parties authorized by his predecessor, military dictator Sani Abacha, who died suddenly on June 8. Instead, Abubakar is allowing new political parties to be formed.

But he has rejected calls for a transitional national unity government that would work out a new federal structure and run the multi-ethnic country until free elections.

Despite that stand -- which puts Abubakar in conflict with Nigeria's main opposition National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) -- the general said he's sticking with his short timetable for elections and the formation of a democratic government.

"Considering the clamoring by everybody to have a democratically elected government in Nigeria, I believe that with a little bit of push on us and understanding from the various bodies involved, I think we will be able to (succeed)."

In his speech on Monday, Abubakar praised the late Moshood Abiola, the apparent winner of 1993's annulled presidential election, who was jailed the next year by Abacha.

Abiola's death this month of an apparent heart attack while in custody sparked days of rioting. But Abubakar told CNN the military should not be blamed for Abiola's death.

"People are entitled to their opinion. The issue of whether he was provided with proper medical care or not ... is not correct. Abiola (was) provided with medical care. ... His doctor came to see him."

Nigeria became all-but-unlivable during Abacha's five-year dictatorship, when the country crumbled economically under the weight of rampant corruption and neglect. And despite its oil exports, Nigeria has domestic shortages.

Nevertheless, Abubakar told CNN he expects Nigeria's political turnaround to produce an economic rebound as well.

"Hopefully, with the window we have opened, I'm sure we will be able to come out of it. "

Correspondent Bob Coen contributed to this report.

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