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IBB Apologised for Annuling June 12 Election – MKO Abiola’s Son Speaks Out
Lekan Abiola, son of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, has disclosed that former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), privately and publicly apologised to the Abiola family for annulling the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.
He made this revelation during the MKO Abiola Memorial Symposium held in Lagos under the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND), part of the activities commemorating Democracy Day 2025. The event also featured the unveiling of an upcoming book, “MKO Abiola: Symbol of Democracy”, authored by Dr. Layo Adeniyi.
Speaking with journalists at the symposium, Lekan stated:
“We returned from the United States of America, we have met IBB and he has apologised privately to us. When he came out publicly to say that he was sorry for annulling the election and that MKO won, he did what he had done privately in public.”
He added that for years, the family was left in emotional limbo due to the contradiction between the private apology and public silence.
“It was like someone punching you in public and saying sorry in private. But now, with his public admission, we feel relieved. The debate over who won is officially over.”
He further explained that Babangida has routinely shown symbolic gestures by sending representatives to June 12 events annually.
Lekan also used the opportunity to urge President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the Federal Government settles all outstanding entitlements owed to his father, stating that several past administrations have failed in this regard.
Meanwhile, Dr. Layo Adeniyi, author of the soon-to-be-released biography of MKO, spoke about the book’s depth and significance.
“The book is about 440 pages. There is nothing you want to know about Abiola that you won’t find there. I traced his roots, background, business growth, and political journey — including his role in the defunct NCNC, NPN, and the events that led to the June 12 election.”
Dr. Adeniyi reaffirmed that the June 12 election remains Nigeria’s freest and fairest, and called for sustained efforts to preserve MKO Abiola’s legacy as a national democratic symbol.
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