Lekan Abiola, son of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola—the acclaimed winner of Nigeria’s annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election—has disclosed that former military president General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) privately apologized to the Abiola family for invalidating the historic polls.
Lekan made this revelation on Thursday during the MKO Abiola Memorial Symposium and preparations for the launch of a forthcoming book titled “MKO Abiola: Symbol of Democracy”, held in Lagos.
Addressing journalists on the sidelines of the event, he expressed that the family’s sense of relief stemmed from Babangida’s public acknowledgment and apology.
“We returned from the United States of America, we have met IBB, and he has apologized privately to us. When he came out publicly to say that he was sorry for annulling the election and that MKO won the election, he did what he had done privately in public. Every year, he always sends someone to come and represent him here on the June 12 occasion,” Lekan stated.
He emphasized the symbolic significance of the public apology, describing it as long overdue. “Before now, for the private apology, there was nothing we could do about that. It is as though someone punched you in public and said sorry in private,” he added.
Lekan further noted that Babangida’s public admission helped to clarify the legitimacy of MKO Abiola’s electoral victory, putting to rest longstanding doubts and controversy.
The June 12, 1993, election remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, and the recent developments have reignited discussions about justice and reconciliation.
