Alhaji Lekan Abiola, son of late MKO Abiola has confirmed that the former general Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) apologised for cancelling the vote on June 12th, 1993 presidential election. Lekan revealed this during the MKO Abiola Memorial Symposium held in Lagos the event was organized through KIND. Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND).
In the words of Lekan, Babangida had privately apologized for the Abiola family upon their return to their trip to the United States. The apology, which was made in public when IBB recognized the fact that MKO Abiola is the legitimate winner of the vote, was a major source of relief for the Abiola family. It was a step towards resolving the ten years-long dispute surrounding the annulment. Lekan said, “His public admission that MKO won the election brings us peace and puts to rest any lingering doubts.”
The ceremony also included Lekan Abiola call on President Bola Tinubu to get involved to ensure that the Federal Government settles all outstanding entitlements due to his father who passed away. The president emphasized the fact that previous administrations have not fulfilled this obligation and that it was an opportunity for government officials to take action.
In addition to these remarks The event also included the launch of the novel MKO Abiola: Symbol of Democracy. The author Dr. Layo Adeniyi, shared that the book has 400 pages and takes an extensive look into MKO Abiola’s personal life. The book focuses on his childhood background, as well as his rise in business, his entry into politics as well as the 1994 presidential elections. Dr. Adeniyi describes the 1993 election as one of the most free and fairest in the history of Nigeria but it was annulled and led to an array of political tensions.
The book is expected to provide a valuable contribution to the story of Nigerian democracy, and also a reminder to the sacrifices that were made by MKO Abiola, whose legacy is closely linked to the struggle for a fair and free election system.
