Senator representing Abia North Orji Uzor Kalu, has urged former military president Ibrahim Babangida to disclose the identities of those responsible for the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which is widely believed to have been won by the late MKO Abiola.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Kalu, referencing Babangida’s recently launched memoir, expressed a desire for a second edition that would address the lingering questions surrounding the annulment. In his memoir, Babangida acknowledged that Abiola won the election, but Kalu believes that more transparency is needed.
“I look forward to the second edition of Babangida’s book because the first did not reveal all the realities. I was present during the events of June 12, and I know what happened. Babangida should call out the names of those responsible for preventing the election declaration,” Kalu said.
Kalu also called on President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize MKO Abiola as one of Nigeria’s past presidents. He suggested that Abiola’s portrait should be displayed alongside those of other former leaders in the Presidential Villa. He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring a posthumous national honor on Abiola but emphasized that further recognition was necessary for the late politician.
“Since Abiola won, his picture should be placed among Nigeria’s past presidents. I commend former President Buhari for giving him a national honor, but I also appeal to President Tinubu to officially recognize him and place his image where it belongs. This would help bring succor to his family,” Kalu added.
Kalu’s statements reflect ongoing efforts to honor the legacy of MKO Abiola and bring closure to the unresolved issues surrounding the annulment of the 1993 election, a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history.
