M.K.O. Abiola, true champion of democracy – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu, in commemoration, described late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, as a true champion of democracy 25 years after his death. The President in a commemoration statement, expressed that Nigeria honours the sacrifice and example of a true hero, M.K.O. 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,” Tinubu declared.

President Tinubu on his official twitter handle wrote:
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
@officialABAT

“Today, our nation honors 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.”

Abiola was proclaimed the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election by populist views, but the election was annulled on June 23 by the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida.
The annulment of the presidential election and the setting up of an Interim National government (ING) precipitated vehement mass protest and rise of civil society for the actualization of the June 12 election.

Abiola died on July 7, 1998, in the midst of the struggle to actualize the June 12 presidential election.

Meanwhile, Senator Shehu Sani remembered Abiola with a photograph he took with late President Nelson Mandela in 1992. Shehu Sani described Abiola as the patriarch of Nigeria’s democracy.

M.K.O. Abiola receiving late President Nelson Mandela at Concord Press in 1992

According to Sani,
Senator Shehu Sani
@ShehuSani
“Chief MKO Abiola; the patriarch of Nigeria’s democracy 25 years after his mysterious http://death.Rest in peace. This photo was shot at Hilton Hotel Abuja in 1992,by a Photographer called Asho, when Mandela visited the country during his tour after his release from the prison. Abiola was here presenting a leather gift.”

A stakeholder in Nigeria had clarified that “Today 7th July, 25 years ago. Late Chief MKO Abiola and Madiba, Nelson Mandela of South Africa in 1992 visited Concord Lagos office (photo). Sen, Sehu Sanni was deployed to “Idi aragba” to play for Abiola’s baby football club in Lagos with YouthFon Sector Malam Idris & Ben Ekpo.”