Lekan Abiola, son of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola—widely regarded as the rightful winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election—has revealed that former military leader General Ibrahim Babangida (retired) has apologised to the Abiola family for his role in nullifying the historic vote.
Lekan made this revelation during the MKO Abiola Memorial Symposium held in Lagos on Thursday, which also included discussions ahead of the launch of a new book titled “MKO Abiola: Symbol of Democracy.”
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, Lekan noted that the apology brought a sense of closure to the family.
“We returned from the United States and met with General Babangida, who privately expressed his regret over the annulment. His recent public statement confirming MKO Abiola’s victory and apologising mirrored the sentiments he shared with us in private. Every year, he sends a representative to attend the June 12 commemorations,” Lekan said.
He highlighted the importance of Babangida’s public admission, describing it as a long-overdue step towards national reconciliation.
“Until now, his apology had only been private. It’s like being publicly wronged but receiving an apology in private—it just doesn’t feel complete,” he explained.
According to Lekan, the former military president’s acknowledgment helped dispel lingering doubts over the 1993 election outcome.
“By admitting publicly that MKO Abiola won, it finally silences those who still question the legitimacy of his victory. Babangida has now made the full election results public, officially confirming what many already knew—that MKO won. This removes any remaining ambiguity.”
Additionally, PUNCH Online reported that the Abiola family has urged President Bola Tinubu to sign a bill that would officially enshrine June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigerian law, ensuring its permanence and protection from future political shifts.
