Chief Ayoola Lawal, former Secretary, Committee of APC Diaspora Chairmen, has reiterated call for recognition of late Chief MKO Abiola as past President of Nigeria.
Lawal, the immediate past chairman of. APC in Scandinavian countries made the call via a statement on Monday.
The call came on the backdrop of revelations in the newly released book by former military head of state, retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who annulled the June 12, 1993 presidential election in which Abiola was adjudged winner.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that in the book launched by Babangida on Feb.19, the former head of state revealed that Abiola actually won the presidential election.
According to Lawal, the renewed appeal aims to address historical inaccuracies and ensure full acknowledgment of Abiola’s democratic mandate from the June 12, 1993 elections.
“For decades, the Nigerian political establishment has denied Abiola his rightful place in our democratic history.
“The 1993 election remains the freest and fairest in our nation’s history, and the results reflected the will of the people.
“It is long overdue for Nigeria to correct this historical injustice by officially recognising Abiola as a past president,” Lawal stated.
He emphasised that the recognition would not merely be symbolic but a necessary step toward national reconciliation and healing.
Lawal noted that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to declare June 12 as Democracy Day and posthumously honor Abiola remained commendable but insufficient.
“The annulment of the 1993 election undermined Nigeria’s democratic values, and recognising Abiola will rectify this injustice.
“Furthermore, recognising Abiola as President affirms that his electoral mandate fully upheld.
“The lack of acknowledgment has left a deep wound in Nigeria’s history, and an official declaration will bring closure to this long-standing issue.
“Addressing past injustices is crucial, especially as a key player in the annulment has now acknowledged the injustice in his own book ” IBB- A Journey in Service”.
“The declaration will strengthen Nigeria’s credibility as a democratic nation committed to justice and fairness,” he said.
Lawal urged the Nigerian government, National Assembly, and relevant institutions to take decisive action.
He called for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to formally investigate the 1993 elections and a legislative resolution recognising Abiola as a past president of Nigeria.
He also sought the inclusion of Abiola’s legacy in Nigerian history curricula.
“This is not about rewriting history but about telling the truth and ensuring justice. Nigeria must acknowledge its past to move forward,” Lawal concluded. (NAN)
