Abdulmumuni Abiola, the son of Nigeria’s iconic late presidential candidate Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and his wife Kudirat Abiola, has reaffirmed his lifelong belief that his father won the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election. Speaking on Arise News, Abdulmumuni responded to former Military President Ibrahim Babangida’s recent expression of regret over annulling the election results, stating that Babangida’s acknowledgment further validates what he has always known to be true.
The annulment of the 1993 election remains one of the most contentious episodes in Nigeria’s political history. Widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in the country’s history, the poll was marred by military interference, leading to its cancellation and plunging Nigeria into years of political turmoil. MKO Abiola, who emerged victorious according to independent observers and the electorate, became a symbol of democracy and justice, even as his mandate was denied.
In his statement, Abdulmumuni noted two key aspects of Babangida’s recent admission. First, Babangida acknowledged that MKO Abiola had indeed won the election—a fact that Abdulmumuni said he already knew from a young age. Even from the young age of eight when the elections were held, I knew my father had won the elections even before they were announced,” he remarked. This certainty stemmed not only from the overwhelming support for his father but also from the widespread recognition among Nigerians that Abiola was their rightful leader.
The second aspect of Babangida’s confession resonated more deeply with Abdulmumuni: the former military ruler’s expression of remorse for his actions and his admission that, given the chance, he would have taken a different path. For Abdulmumuni, this acknowledgment of regret holds greater significance than merely confirming the election result. “It’s important that we understand that we’re human and it’s in humans to error and what we need to do is to acknowledge when we make those mistakes and seek forgiveness,” he explained.
This reflection highlights Abdulmumuni’s mature perspective on reconciliation and healing, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging past wrongs to pave the way forward. While Babangida’s apology may come decades too late for many Nigerians, it represents a step toward closure for some and serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of his decisions.
Reflecting on the personal toll of the annulled election, Abdulmumuni spoke candidly about losing both his parents as a direct consequence of the events surrounding June 12, 1993. After the election was nullified, MKO Abiola embarked on a relentless campaign to reclaim his mandate, facing imprisonment and eventual death under mysterious circumstances in detention in 1998. During this period, Kudirat Abiola emerged as a fierce advocate for her husband’s cause, only to be assassinated in 1996, leaving her children without a mother or protector.
“For me, when we look at the events of June 12, 1993, it brings up a lot of emotions,” Abdulmumuni shared. “I remember after the election was annulled, I remember my father struggling to get his mandate, struggling to get justice for what he assumed was the wrongful annulment of the election. It proceeded for him to get arrested. He eventually lost his life.”
Kudirat’s assassination added another layer of tragedy to the family’s suffering. “When my mom came out and tried to get him released, she ended up losing her life,” Abdulmumuni recalled. “So, I know what was lost. I lost a companion in my mother, I lost a guardian, I lost a protector. I basically became an orphan based on that event or that era.”
These losses transformed Abdulmumuni’s life irrevocably, shaping his worldview and reinforcing the values instilled in him by his parents. Despite the trauma, he emphasized the importance of forgiveness—not just for the perpetrators but for personal growth. “My father was one to always turn your other cheek,” he said, drawing on religious teachings about compassion and understanding. “Forgiving is not necessarily for the perpetrator’s sake, but for your sake so you can actually move on.”
While the annulment of the 1993 election devastated the Abiola family, its repercussions rippled across the nation, affecting millions of Nigerians. Abdulmumuni described the uncertainty and fear that gripped the country during that period, noting how many talented individuals fled abroad, contributing to a significant brain drain. “There was a lot of brain drain in that period as well,” he observed. “We lost a lot of great Nigerian people who felt that Nigeria was not redeemable and they left the country.”
For Abdulmumuni, the struggle for justice and accountability extends beyond his family’s pain; it is intertwined with the broader quest for national unity and progress. The denial of MKO Abiola’s mandate symbolized a betrayal of democratic principles and deepened mistrust in governance structures. Decades later, the legacy of June 12 continues to influence Nigeria’s political landscape, serving as both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for reform.
As Abdulmumuni reflected on the past, he underscored the importance of learning from history to build a better future. “This was traumatic for the Abiola family, but it was also traumatic for the Nigerian people as well,” he stated. “You mentioned some of your colleagues, their experiences around that time and how they were so afraid. It was uncertain, the future was uncertain for a bunch of Nigerians.”
His words carry weight in today’s Nigeria, where challenges such as corruption, insecurity, and economic instability persist. By acknowledging the injustices of the past, the nation can begin to heal and work toward creating a society rooted in fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. Babangida’s admission, though belated, offers an opportunity for introspection and dialogue about the paths not taken and the possibilities still within reach.
Abdulmumuni Abiola’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of political decisions and the enduring power of forgiveness. While Babangida’s acknowledgment cannot undo the harm caused by the annulment of the 1993 election, it provides a platform for renewed discussions about accountability and reconciliation. For Abdulmumuni and countless others affected by this dark chapter in Nigeria’s history, moving forward requires confronting the past with honesty and empathy.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with its complex heritage, the story of MKO Abiola and his family stands as a testament to resilience and hope. Their sacrifices remind us of the value of democracy and the imperative to safeguard it for future generations. In honoring their memory, Nigerians can strive to create a nation where justice prevails, and every voice is heard.
