Abdulmumuni Abiola, son of the late Chief MKO Abiola and Kudirat Abiola, has spoken out following the recent remarks by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, who expressed regret over annulling the results of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
During an exclusive interview with Arise News on Friday, Abdulmumuni reaffirmed that he had always been aware of his father’s victory in the election, despite the annulment. He described Babangida’s statement as further proof of what had long been established about the election’s outcome.
The late MKO Abiola, widely regarded as the rightful winner of the June 12 election, was denied his mandate when the election was annulled by the Babangida-led military regime. Abdulmumuni emphasized that this decision not only had political ramifications but also led to the tragic loss of both his parents.
He stated: “In the revelations that we heard from the late head of state yesterday, there were two parts for me. The first part was the acknowledgement that Abiola, my father, had won the 1993 elections. That, for me, was not new information. Even at the young age of eight, when the elections were held, I already knew my father had won, even before any official announcement was made.”
He further reflected on Babangida’s admission of regret, calling it the most significant aspect of the statement. “The second part was more important for me—the acknowledgment that Babangida felt remorse for the actions he had taken at the time and his expression that, if given another chance, he would have acted differently. It’s important for us to recognize that we are human, and humans make mistakes. What matters is acknowledging those mistakes and seeking forgiveness. For me, that was the key takeaway—the fact that he expressed regret for his decision.”
I Lost A Protector When My Mother Died
Speaking on the emotional impact of the annulment, Abdulmumuni described the personal loss his family suffered as a direct result of the events surrounding June 12, 1993.
“When we look at the events of June 12, 1993, they bring up a lot of emotions for me. I remember watching my father struggle to reclaim his mandate and fight for justice after the annulment. That battle led to his eventual arrest, and later, he lost his life. After his arrest, my mother stepped forward to seek his release, only to also lose her life in the process. That day, I lost more than just my parents—I lost a protector, a guardian, and a mentor.”
He continued: “I essentially became an orphan because of that era. It was a painful and traumatic experience for me, my family, and the nation as a whole. But through it all, I have held on to the values my father instilled in me—one of which is the power of forgiveness. My father always believed in turning the other cheek, and my faith also teaches me about the importance of forgiveness. Not necessarily for the sake of those who have wronged us, but for our own peace and ability to move forward.”
He also reflected on the broader impact the annulment had on Nigeria, noting that many citizens lived in fear and uncertainty during that time. “It wasn’t just traumatic for the Abiola family; it was traumatic for Nigeria as a whole. The uncertainty of that period affected so many people. Some of your colleagues have spoken about their experiences of fear and insecurity during that time. Many Nigerians lost hope in the country’s future, and there was a significant brain drain as people left in search of better opportunities elsewhere.”