The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has thrown its weight behind Senator Orji Kalu’s call for the late Chief MKO Abiola to be officially recognized as Nigeria’s former president.
The demand follows fresh revelations about the June 12, 1993 election annulment.
Speaking on Tuesday, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, stressed that posthumously declaring Abiola as president is long overdue.
“We support this proposal. Our members discussed and agreed on it during our monthly meeting on Tuesday,” Faloye stated.
He also pointed out that former President Muhammadu Buhari had already honored Abiola with the GCFR (Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic)—a title strictly reserved for Nigerian presidents.
Recognizing him fully would correct a historic political injustice.
Kalu: “Abiola Deserves to Be Acknowledged as a Former President”
While addressing journalists at the National Assembly, Senator Orji Kalu emphasized that Abiola’s victory should not be erased from Nigeria’s history.
“Yes, Abiola won the election. President Tinubu should officially declare him a former president,” Kalu said.
He commended Buhari’s efforts in recognizing Abiola but urged Tinubu to take it a step further by placing Abiola’s portrait among past Nigerian presidents.
Babangida Finally Admits to Annulment Mistake
The renewed calls for Abiola’s recognition follow a shocking revelation by former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida.
While launching his autobiography, “A Journey in Service”, Babangida admitted that Abiola won the June 12 election, which is widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest.
Reacting to Babangida’s statement, Kalu challenged him to name those responsible for stopping the election results from being declared.
“I was there during the events of June 12. Babangida should name those who prevented the election’s declaration,” Kalu stated.
Human Rights Activists Join the Call
Renowned human rights activist, Mashood Erubami, has also urged Tinubu to take a bold step in correcting Nigeria’s political history by recognizing Abiola as a former president.
“Now that Babangida has publicly admitted to subverting the election, Tinubu should correct this injustice,” Erubami declared.
He further insisted that Abiola’s portrait should be placed among past leaders in government offices, serving as a testament to Nigeria’s fight for democracy.
Will Tinubu Take Action?
With growing demands for MKO Abiola’s official recognition, all eyes are now on President Bola Tinubu to see if he will right this historical wrong.
Will he make the bold move and declare Abiola a former president?
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