BARELY 24 Hours After IBB Said MKO Abiola Won 1993 Election, Abiola’s Son Drops Shocking Bombshell
Abdulmumuni Abiola, son of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, has described former military president Ibrahim Babangida’ s expression of regret over the annulment of the 1993 presidential election as a healing moment for Nigerians.
In an exclusive interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, Abdulmumuni noted that Babangida’ s admission of his father’ s victory and his remorse for the annulment validate a long- held truth about the election, widely regarded as Nigeria’ s freest and fairest.
Babangida’ s Admission Brings Closure
Reflecting on the former head of state’ s recent comments, Abdulmumuni highlighted two key aspects. First was Babangida’ s acknowledgment that MKO Abiola had indeed won the election.
” In the revelations that we heard from the late head of state yesterday, there were two parts for me. The first part was the acknowledgment that Abiola, my father, had won the 1993 elections. That, for me, I already knew. Even at the young age of eight when the elections were held, I knew my father had won before the official results were announced, ” he said.
However, he considered the second aspect more significant: Babangida’ s admission of remorse over his decision to annul the election.
” I think the second part was more important— the acknowledgment that he felt remorse for the actions he took at the time and his expression that, given another chance, he would have chosen a different path. It is human to make mistakes, and what matters is recognising them and seeking forgiveness, ” Abdulmumuni stated.
A National Wound Finally Healing
Abdulmumuni emphasised that Babangida’ s admission helps put to rest decades of speculation about the election.
” We now know officially that Abiola won, and he won across Nigeria. While my father remains the figurehead of the June 12 struggle, we must remember that it was the Nigerian people who gave him that mandate. They believed in his vision. So, hearing the head of state at the time confirm this is also healing for the Nigerian people, ” he noted.
Personal And National Trauma Of June 12
The annulment of the election led to years of political unrest, including the arrest and eventual death of MKO Abiola in detention. Abdulmumuni also lost his mother, Kudirat Abiola, who was assassinated while campaigning for her husband’ s release.
” When I think about June 12, 1993, it brings up a lot of emotions. I remember my father’ s struggle to reclaim his mandate. After the annulment, he was arrested and later lost his life. My mother fought for his freedom and was also killed. I lost my parents because of that era. I became an orphan because of that event, ” he recounted.
Beyond personal loss, he acknowledged that the annulment deeply affected the country.
” It was a traumatic period for Nigerians. People were afraid. Many professionals lost hope in Nigeria and left the country, causing a brain drain. Companies collapsed, livelihoods were lost. The annulment wasn’ t just a family tragedy— it was a national tragedy, ” he added.
Moving Forward: A Call To Action
Despite the pain, Abdulmumuni stressed the importance of focusing on the future rather than dwelling on past injustices.
” My father had a vision and a passion for Nigeria. His sacrifice should not be in vain. Instead of constantly discussing the injustices of the past, we should work towards realising his dream of a better Nigeria. His children and those who believed in him must push that agenda forward, ” he said.
Acknowledging the struggles of those who suffered during that period, he emphasised the need for national unity and progress.
” We talk about my father and mother, but many Nigerians lost limbs, businesses, and their sense of security. It was a traumatic time for all of us. Dwelling on past hurts will not help us. We must now turn the page and put Nigeria first, ” he urged.
Commitment To Nigeria’ s Future
Abdulmumuni concluded with a call for collective action, reminding Nigerians that democracy is an ongoing journey.
” Rome wasn’ t built in a day. Democracy is not a destination— it’ s a journey. I am committed to the Nigerian project, and I hope other Nigerians are as well. This is not just my project; it is a collective one. We must all play our part in building a better Nigeria, ” he stated.
