President Bola Tinubu has honoured the winner of the annulled 12th June 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, 25 years after his demise.
Of the over 14 million votes cast in the election, Abiola was said to have won almost 60 per cent, making him the winner of the election.
Compared to previous elections marred by fraud, violence and intimidation, the 12th June 1993 election, according to various international and local observers, was the most peaceful and credible in the country’s history.
The election was eventually annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, which sparked protests across Nigeria.
Abiola died on 7th July 1998, five years after the elections, less than two months away from his 61 birthday.
Describing his death as sad, President Tinubu took to his Twitter page, @OfficialBAT, on Friday to praise the billionaire politician, describing him as the “true champion of democracy”.
He wrote: “Today, our nation honours the sacrifice and example of a true hero, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, 25 years after his sad demise.
“A true champion of democracy, his courage and integrity, complete dedication to public service, exemplified the highest ideals of our great nation. His legacy endures and his message of hope echoes still. May Allah SWT grant him mercy and increase his rewards”.
One of the late politician’s daughters, Rinsola, also lauded her late father. She extolled his virtues, and offered prayers for his family and “everyone still grieving.
“It’s been 25 years since my father died. He meant a lot to many and means so much, still.
“For every smile he inspired, may his sins be struck out. For every heart he lifted, may Allah have mercy on him. For all that he did, for his sacrifice, for his loving heart, for his contributions in the way of Allah and commitment to helping others, may Allah grant him forgiveness”, she wrote on her known Twitter handle.
In her own tribute to the late politician, Chief Mrs Remi Adiukwu pray for the repose of his soul, taking solace in the fact that Nigerians will never forget the sacrifice Abiola made or the entrenchment of democracy in the country. “Forever, Nigerians will remember M.K.O Abiola and appreciate the supreme price he paid for us to enjoy democracy”, she said.
President of Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, recalled that “M.K.O. Abiola stood in the gap between light and darkness, an unfamiliar angel of a different hue who was read as too deep into comfort for a fight. But they read him wrong”. Mrs. Okei-Odumakin urged the Federal Government to address issues around Abiola’s posthumous benefits as well as work to realise his vision for Nigeria.
