President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt admiration for the late MKO Abiola, affirming that his legacy continues to resonate.
MKO Abiola, the renowned winner of the 1993 presidential election, tragically passed away while in military detention on July 7, 1998.
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of Abiola's demise, Tinubu hailed him as a “defender of democracy.”
“On this day, our nation pays tribute to the sacrifice and inspiring example set by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, a quarter of a century after his untimely passing,” Tinubu stated.
“He was an unwavering champion of democracy whose unwavering courage, integrity, and selfless commitment to public service epitomized the highest ideals of our beloved nation,” he continued.
Tinubu further emphasized that Abiola's enduring legacy and his message of hope still resonate strongly. He concluded with a prayer, “May Allah SWT shower him with mercy and amplify his rewards.”
The June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely recognized as the most transparent and fair election in the country's history, was annulled by Ibrahim Babangida, a former military head of state.
In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honored Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) title.
Buhari also designated June 12 as the new Democracy Day, replacing the previous date of May 29, and it has been commemorated annually since then.
