Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to formally recognize the late Chief MKO Abiola as one of Nigeria’s former presidents, advocating for Abiola’s portrait to be displayed alongside those of other past leaders in the Presidential Villa.
He spoke at the National Assembly on Tuesday against the background of the recent admission by former military president, retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida that Abiola indeed won the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The June 12, 1993 presidential election was adjudged to be the freest and fairest conducted in the country at the time.
While Kalu praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for posthumously honoring Abiola with a national award, he stressed that additional recognition was essential. “Since Abiola won the election, his portrait should be placed among Nigeria’s past presidents. This would not only honor him but also offer closure to his family and solidify his place in history,” Kalu said.
Turning to Babangida’s memoirs, Kalu described them as incomplete and urged the former military leader to release a second volume to address unresolved questions surrounding the annulment of the June 12 election. “I look forward to the second edition of Babangida’s book because the first did not reveal all the facts. I was present during the June 12 events and know what happened. Babangida should name those responsible for preventing the election result from being declared,” Kalu stated.
On the issue of the 1966 coup, Kalu rejected claims it was an ethnic conspiracy, insisting, “It was not an Igbo coup; it was a Nigerian coup executed by the military.”
Kalu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Privatisation, also subtly launched a campaign for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. When asked about the next presidential election, he expressed confidence, saying, “Yes, Asiwaju will win in 2027.”
He further explained his choice of attire that day—a burgundy-colored outfit—symbolizing continuity and sending the message: “Asiwaju, continue.”
Kalu urged Nigerians to be patient with the president’s reform agenda, noting that history shows even presidents with perceived underperformance have secured second terms. “We are fully aligned with the democratic process and President Tinubu. We are confident that we will win again in 2027, and Nigerians will celebrate with us. This is inevitable,” Kalu concluded.
