Kola Abiola, the first son of late Chief MKO Abiola, has categorically denied receiving any formal apology from former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), regarding the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Kola emphasized that 32 years after the historic election, the Abiola family has yet to receive any formal apology from Babangida for his role in annulling what is widely considered Nigeria's freest and fairest election.
"President Buhari went public and apologised to the family, the voters, and the country. That is how it is done, not privately. I'm not aware of such an apology. Maybe to him [referring to his brother]. This is not a personal thing. It is a national thing," Kola stated.
Family Dispute Over IBB's Alleged Apology
Kola's statement directly contradicts claims made by his brother, Lekan Abiola, who had previously suggested that the former military ruler privately apologized to the family. This disagreement highlights the complex nature of the June 12 saga and its continued impact on Nigerian politics and the Abiola family.
According to Kola, the refusal to identify all those involved in the annulment represents a disservice to his father's legacy. He noted that MKO Abiola "paid the supreme sacrifice" in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
The first son of the late business mogul and politician challenged Babangida to emulate former President Muhammadu Buhari, who publicly acknowledged the injustice of the annulment and offered an official apology to the family and the nation.
Historical Context of June 12
The June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was won by MKO Abiola, was annulled by the Babangida military regime before the final results could be officially announced. This action triggered widespread protests and political crisis that eventually led to Abiola's imprisonment after he declared himself president. He later died in detention on July 7, 1998.
In 2018, President Buhari officially recognized June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria, posthumously awarded Abiola the nation's highest honor, and offered a public apology for the injustice of the annulment.
The controversy surrounding IBB's role in the annulment continues to be a sensitive topic in Nigerian political discourse, with many Nigerians still seeking closure on one of the most significant political events in the country's democratic journey.
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