One of the sons of the late Moshood Abiola, the declared victor of the canceled June 12, 1993, presidential election, Lekan Abiola, has disclosed that General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), the former military president, has expressed regret to the family for calling off the historic elections. Lekan revealed this on Thursday during the MKO Abiola Memorial Symposium and the book launch preparations for “MKO Abiola: Symbol of Democracy,” which were held in Lagos.
Speaking to reporters outside the occasion, Lekan said the family was relieved that Babangida had publicly acknowledged and apologized. “We encountered IBB after returning from the United States of America, and he privately apologized to us. He did what he had done secretly in public when he came out to apologize for calling off the election and admitting that MKO had won. He always sends someone to come commemorate the June 12 event on his behalf. He also emphasized the public apology’s symbolic importance, calling it long overdue. “There was nothing we could do about the private apologies prior to this. It feels like someone apologized privately after punching you in public. He went on to say that Babangida’s public acknowledgement helped to dispel long-standing rumors and disagreement and clarify the validity of MKO Abiola’s election victory.
We feel more comfortable in public when he comes out and acknowledges that MKO did win the election. This is due to the constant question, “Are we even sure he won the election?” However, Babangida has finally made the complete findings public. There is no longer any dispute because it is officially acknowledged that MKO won the election.
Abiola’s kids pleaded with President Bola Tinubu on Thursday to sign a measure that would formally declare June 12 Democracy Day so that it would become law and not be revoked anytime soon. Enacting a bill supporting June 12th Democracy Day.
