The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has thrown its weight behind the recent call by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for the posthumous recognition of Chief MKO Abiola as Nigeria’s President. Afenifere emphasized that such a declaration is long overdue, given Abiola’s undisputed victory in the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Speaking to Hobnob News on Tuesday, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, affirmed that the organization had reached a unanimous resolution on the matter during its recent monthly meeting.
“We support the proposal. It aligns with our collective position. Former President Muhammadu Buhari had already conferred the GCFR (Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic) honor on Abiola, an award exclusively reserved for Presidents. If President Tinubu can take it a step further by officially declaring him a past President, it would serve as a long-overdue rectification of a historic political injustice,” Faloye stated.
Kalu’s Renewed Call for Justice
Earlier on Tuesday, Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, urged President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize Abiola as Nigeria’s President posthumously. Addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex, the former Abia State governor stressed the importance of ensuring that Abiola’s political legacy is not erased from history.
“Abiola won the election, and it is only fair that he is officially recognized as such. President Tinubu should take the bold step of declaring him President posthumously. His image should be placed alongside those of past Nigerian Presidents in government buildings as a mark of honor,” Kalu said.
Kalu commended Buhari’s previous efforts in acknowledging Abiola’s role in Nigeria’s democratic journey but argued that additional recognition was needed.
“The conferment of the GCFR title on him was commendable, but it is not enough. Since Abiola was the rightful winner of the election, the government must correct this historic oversight by officially recognizing his presidency. Doing so would also provide a sense of closure to his family and supporters who fought tirelessly for democracy,” Kalu added.
Babangida’s Admission and Calls for Full Disclosure
Kalu’s remarks come just days after former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, admitted that Abiola won the 1993 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll. The revelation was made during the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service.
Reacting to Babangida’s admission, Kalu encouraged the former military leader to publish a second volume of his book that fully discloses the details surrounding the annulment of the election.
“I look forward to the second edition of Babangida’s book. The first volume did not reveal all the realities of June 12. As someone who was present during those events, I know what transpired. Babangida should name those responsible for preventing the declaration of the election results,” Kalu stated.
Kalu also dismissed the notion that the 1966 coup led by the late Major Kaduna Nzeogwu was an ethnically motivated uprising, insisting that it was a national event carried out by the military.
Tinubu’s Second Term and the Future of APC
In what appeared to be a show of support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, Kalu expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure another four-year term in office.
“Yes, Asiwaju will win in 2027. We urge Nigerians to be patient with the ongoing reforms. Even past Presidents who were accused of underperformance secured second terms. Tinubu is implementing crucial policies that will yield long-term benefits, and we are confident he will be re-elected,” Kalu asserted.
Human Rights Activists Weigh In
Meanwhile, human rights advocate Mashood Erubami has also urged President Tinubu to officially recognize Abiola as the legitimate winner of the June 12 election. In a statement on Tuesday, Erubami emphasized that Babangida’s public admission should compel the federal government to take decisive action.
“Now that the man responsible for annulling the election has admitted to his mistake, it is only right that the current administration takes corrective action. President Tinubu should declare Chief MKO Abiola as the rightful and globally accepted winner of the June 12 election. His portrait should be placed among those of past Presidents in national and state government offices as a testament to Nigeria’s democratic struggle,” Erubami stated.
As the debate on Abiola’s posthumous recognition continues to gain momentum, political observers and pro-democracy advocates eagerly await the government’s response to these growing calls for justice and historical correction.
