By Capital Watch Media
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has backed the call for the late Chief MKO Abiola to be officially declared Nigeria’s President posthumously, saying the recognition is long overdue.
Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, expressed the group’s support on Tuesday, aligning with a similar call made earlier by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
“We support the proposal. We actually discussed and came to the same resolution in our monthly meeting held on Tuesday,” Faloye said in an interview with newsmen.
He noted that former President Muhammadu Buhari had already conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, GCFR, on Abiola, an honour reserved for Presidents.
“If President Tinubu could go further, it would be a welcome rectification of a historic political injustice,” Faloye added.
Earlier in the day, Kalu, the Senator representing Abia North, urged President Bola Tinubu to honour Abiola’s legacy by declaring him Nigeria’s President posthumously.
“Abiola won the June 12, 1993 election, which remains the freest and fairest in our nation’s history. It’s time we give him his rightful place,” Kalu stated at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Kalu’s appeal followed former military President Ibrahim Babangida’s recent admission that Abiola had indeed won the 1993 election — a vote that was controversially annulled.
Babangida’s comments came during the launch of his autobiography, A Journey in Service, more than three decades after the election.
In 2018, Buhari’s posthumous conferment of the GCFR on Abiola was widely praised. However, Kalu believes more needs to be done.
“His picture should be placed among Nigeria’s past Presidents. That would bring closure and recognition to his family and supporters,” Kalu said.
The call for official recognition has gained traction among pro-democracy advocates, with human rights activist Mashood Erubami also joining the appeal.
“The current President, having heard directly from the man who annulled the election, should now be emboldened to declare Chief MKO Abiola the rightful winner,” Erubami said in a statement.
He argued that Abiola’s portrait should be displayed alongside those of Nigeria’s past Presidents in government offices.
“This would serve as a testament to his victory and the struggle of Nigerians for democracy,” Erubami added.
The June 12, 1993 presidential election was widely regarded as the most credible in Nigeria’s history, but its annulment sparked protests and political unrest.
Abiola’s subsequent arrest and death in custody in 1998 only deepened the controversy surrounding the annulled election.
Senator Kalu also weighed in on Babangida’s memoirs, suggesting a second volume was needed to reveal more details about the events of June 12.
“I was present during the events, and I know what happened. Babangida should call out those responsible for preventing the election’s declaration,” Kalu said.
Despite the lingering controversy, Kalu expressed confidence in the current administration and its reform agenda.
“We are appealing to Nigerians to be patient with the reform process. We are fully aligned with our democratic principles and supporting the sitting President,” he stated.
He voiced optimism about Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 election, saying, “We will win again in 2027. The President will return, and Nigerians will celebrate with us.”
Afenifere’s endorsement of Kalu’s call reflects a growing consensus on the need to honour Abiola’s legacy officially.
“Declaring Abiola President posthumously would not only correct a historical wrong but also strengthen our democracy,” Faloye concluded.
As the debate continues, all eyes are now on President Tinubu and his response to the mounting calls for recognition.
