Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, has emphasized that the late MKO Abiola would have been declared winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election if the rule of law had been properly upheld in Nigeria.
Speaking at the June 12 edition of The Platform, organized by the Covenant Nation in Lagos, Fashola highlighted the critical importance of rule of law in Nigeria's democratic journey.
"If the rule of law had prevailed, there would have been no crisis on June 12. MKO would have been president, and perhaps all of his promises about a farewell to poverty would have happened," Fashola stated.
The Annulled Election
Abiola, who was the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was widely believed to have won what many describe as Nigeria's most credible election. However, the military government led by General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the results, triggering a political crisis that defined Nigeria's democratic struggle.
Years later, Babangida admitted during a book launch in his honor that Abiola was indeed the rightful winner of that election.
Fashola, who also served as a minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, described the annulment as a clear violation of the rule of law.
"I want us to see the rule of law in terms of law and order. That is the perspective that I want to share," he added.
Democracy Day Recognition
In recognition of the historical significance of the June 12, 1993 election, the Federal Government in 2018 declared June 12 as Democracy Day, shifting it from the previously observed May 29 date.
The commemoration serves as a reminder of Nigeria's democratic journey and the sacrifices made by political figures like MKO Abiola in the struggle for democratic governance.
In related developments, President Bola Tinubu has conferred National Honours on several Nigerians, including Kudirat Abiola, the wife of the late MKO Abiola, and Humphrey Nwosu, who was the chairman of the electoral commission that conducted the annulled election.
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