- Senator Kalu urges President Bola Tinubu to officially declare the late Chief Moshood Abiola as a former president of Nigeria
- Former military president IBB admits in his autobiography that Abiola won the June 12, 1993, election
- Kalu urges Babangida to release a second edition of his memoir, fully revealing those responsible for annulling the election
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North in the National Assembly, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to officially recognise the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola as a former president of Nigeria.
He also urged that Abiola’s portrait be placed alongside those of past Nigerian presidents to solidify his rightful place in history.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja, Kalu justified his appeal by referencing former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s (IBB) recent revelations in his memoir, A Journey in Service: An Autobiography, where Babangida admitted that Abiola won the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.
A long-overdue recognition for MKO Abiola
Kalu, a former governor of Abia State and a known associate of Babangida emphasised that IBB’s confession should put to rest any lingering doubts about the election’s outcome.
Given this, he urged President Tinubu to take the final step in granting Abiola his rightful status in Nigeria’s leadership history.
“Abiola won that election. Now that Babangida has openly acknowledged it, President Tinubu should declare him a former president posthumously.
“His portrait deserves to be displayed alongside past Nigerian leaders. Former President Muhammadu Buhari did well by honouring him with a national award, but this next step is crucial in doing full justice to his legacy,” Kalu stated.
Kalu further argued that such recognition would bring a sense of closure and justice, not only to Abiola’s family but also to Nigerians who voted for him in what is widely regarded as the fairest election in the country’s history.
Buhari awarded MKO Abiola national honour
In 2018, then-President Buhari awarded Abiola the highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), and declared June 12 as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day, replacing May 29.
Abiola’s eldest son, Kola, received the honour on behalf of the family at an official ceremony in Abuja.
Additionally, Abiola’s running mate, Babagana Kingibe, was awarded the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON).
Despite these recognitions, Kalu insists that placing Abiola’s portrait among Nigeria’s past presidents is the final step in correcting history.
Kalu urges IBB to release follow-up edition
Kalu also weighed in on Babangida’s book, stating that it left many crucial questions unanswered, particularly regarding the annulment of the June 12 election.
He urged the former military leader to release a follow-up edition detailing the full circumstances surrounding the controversial decision.
“I was there during the events of June 12. I know what happened. Babangida needs to mention the names of those who pressured him into annulling the election,” Kalu stated.
He also dismissed claims that the 1966 coup was an ethnic plot, asserting that it was a military action rather than an Igbo-led uprising.
Tinubu’s 2027 reelection prospects
Beyond the historical discussion, Kalu expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in 2027.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient with the ongoing reforms and assured them that Tinubu would emerge victorious.
“Yes, Asiwaju will win in 2027. Many past presidents who underperformed still secured a second term. We are appealing to Nigerians to support the government’s reform efforts. There is no question about our party’s direction—we are fully behind the president,” he said confidently.
Kalu insisted that continuity in governance would ultimately yield positive results for the country. “Nigerians will celebrate with us in 2027. The president will return, and that is inevitable,” he concluded.
“Filled with lies and blame game”: Babangida's autobiography draws ire of Nigerians
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the launch of former military president Ibrahim Babangida’s autobiography, “A Journey in Service” on Thursday, February 19, sparked reactions from the public.
While there were claims that the book was full of liars, others acknowledged Babangida’s significant contributions to national development, believing the book would enhance knowledge and bolster the country’s nation-building efforts.