The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has thrown its weight behind Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s demand for the posthumous recognition of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as a former President of Nigeria.
This renewed push follows recent revelations by former military president, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, who admitted that Abiola won the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly, Senator Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to officially recognize Abiola as a past President.
He stressed that Abiola’s image should be displayed alongside Nigeria’s former leaders in the Presidential Villa. “Yes, Abiola won the election. And I will say President Tinubu should declare him a president posthumously,” Kalu stated.
He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for posthumously honoring Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and appealed to Tinubu to “officially recognize him and place his image where it belongs.”
Kalu emphasized that such a move would not only correct a historical wrong but also provide some solace to Abiola’s family.
Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, confirmed the group’s endorsement of Kalu’s proposal, revealing that it had been deliberated upon in their recent meeting.
“We support the proposal. We actually discussed and came to the same resolution in our monthly meeting held on Tuesday,” he said. Faloye noted that while Buhari’s GCFR honor was a significant step, more action was required to fully acknowledge Abiola’s mandate.
“If Tinubu could go further, it would be a welcome rectification of a historic political injustice,” he added.
The renewed calls for Abiola’s official recognition have gained traction following the publication of General Babangida’s memoir, A Journey in Service: An Autobiography, in which he acknowledged Abiola’s victory in the historic 1993 election.
The election is widely regarded as one of the most credible in Nigeria’s history. Reflecting on Babangida’s revelations, Kalu suggested that the former military leader should release a second volume of his memoirs to address unresolved questions surrounding the election’s annulment.
“I look forward to the second edition of Babangida’s book because the first did not reveal all the realities,” Kalu said, urging Babangida to expose those who played a role in preventing Abiola’s declaration as President.
Afenifere also highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the annulled election on Nigeria’s democratic history.
The group’s Organizing Secretary, Kole Omololu, lamented the tragic losses that followed the crisis, including the assassinations of Kudirat Abiola and Alfred Rewane.
“His belated acknowledgment that the election was indisputably free, fair, and credible merely reaffirms what Nigerians have known for over three decades,” Afenifere stated, adding that Babangida’s admission does not absolve him or his associates of their actions.
The Yoruba socio-political group further stressed that while symbolic gestures are important, substantive measures must be taken to fully address the injustice. They urged the government to implement concrete steps to preserve Abiola’s legacy and uphold democratic principles.
