The recent public admission by former military leader, Ibrahim Babangida, that he regretted the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election has sparked significant national dialogue, with some seeing it as a moment of healing for the Nigerian people. Among those who have expressed this sentiment is Abdulmumuni Abiola, the son of the late MKO Abiola, whose victory was nullified in the controversial political move that divided the country and led to national turmoil.
In an emotional interview with ARISE News, Abdulmumuni Abiola stated that the former president’s public acknowledgment of the wrongful annulment was more than just a personal reconciliation for the Abiola family—it was a moment that validated the long-held belief among many Nigerians that his father, MKO Abiola, was the legitimate winner of the election.
“I knew from the beginning that my father won,” Abdulmumuni said, recalling his own awareness of the election results even at the young age of eight. “But hearing Babangida confirm it yesterday—it’s healing for the Nigerian people. It puts to rest any lingering doubts about what truly transpired back in 1993.”
Abdulmumuni, however, emphasized that the healing came not only from the acknowledgment of his father’s electoral victory but also from Babangida’s admission of remorse for the decision he made to annul the election. The expression of regret, he explained, was a crucial part of the healing process for those affected by the aftermath of the annulment, which included the tragic deaths of his father and mother, Kudirat Abiola.
“Babangida’s regret is significant,” Abdulmumuni said, “because it shows that as humans, we are capable of making mistakes. The most important thing is to own up to those mistakes and seek forgiveness. This is how we move forward.”
A Dark Chapter of Nigerian History
The June 12 election of 1993 was hailed as one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest elections, but when the results were annulled by then military ruler Babangida, it led to widespread protests, civil unrest, and a deepening political crisis. MKO Abiola, a renowned businessman and philanthropist, was widely believed to have won the election, but his victory was never fully recognized by the government. Abiola’s subsequent imprisonment, followed by his untimely death in 1998, only deepened the wounds of the family and the nation.
Reflecting on the personal toll of the annulment, Abdulmumuni recounted the traumatic experiences of his family during that period. He recalled how his father’s battle for justice was followed by his arrest and the eventual tragic death of his mother, Kudirat, who was actively advocating for her husband’s release.
“For me, that period was deeply traumatic,” Abdulmumuni said. “I lost both of my parents in this battle for democracy. I became an orphan. My mother and father’s sacrifices are still something I live with every day.”
A National Healing Process
Beyond the personal trauma, Abdulmumuni also highlighted the broader impact of the annulment on the Nigerian people. The political uncertainty that followed led to mass disillusionment, with many Nigerians, especially those who had supported Abiola, feeling betrayed by the military government. He noted the significant brain drain during that time as many talented Nigerians sought opportunities abroad, believing that their home country was beyond redemption.
“During that period, a lot of Nigerians lost hope in their country,” Abdulmumuni observed. “So many of our brightest minds fled. The country’s future felt uncertain for everyone, and many people felt that Nigeria could not be redeemed. It was a painful era for us all.”
However, in spite of these challenges, Abdulmumuni has refused to let the past define his actions. Instead of harboring bitterness, he has focused his energy on finding productive ways to push forward his father’s vision of a better Nigeria.
“My father always had a dream for this country,” he said. “I’m not going to dwell on the pain of the past, but I will make sure his dream isn’t forgotten. We can’t change what happened, but we can work together to build the future he envisioned.”
Moving Beyond the Past
Abdulmumuni’s message to Nigerians was one of unity and hope. He urged citizens to channel their frustrations from the past into building a stronger, more democratic Nigeria. While acknowledging that the wounds of June 12 will never fully heal, he emphasized that the future of Nigeria should be a collective effort.
“The Nigerian project is not just my project; it’s an inclusive one,” he asserted. “Democracy is a journey, not a destination. We all need to commit ourselves to the future of this nation.”
For Abdulmumuni, honoring his father’s legacy is more than about remembering his contributions—it is about actively striving to fulfill the vision MKO Abiola had for a prosperous and democratic Nigeria. He believes that this mission is not only for his family but for every Nigerian who has suffered due to the injustices of the past.
“My father had a passion for this country. And his sacrifice should not be in vain,” Abdulmumuni concluded. “We owe it to him, and to all Nigerians who fought for a better future, to carry that vision forward.”
While it is clear that the trauma of June 12, 1993, continues to reverberate across the nation, the public apology from Babangida has sparked a much-needed conversation about healing and reconciliation. For Abdulmumuni Abiola and many others, this moment marks a crucial step toward closure—and more importantly, a step towards a united and prosperous Nigeria.
As the nation continues to recover from the scars of its past, the question remains: Will the country be able to move beyond the legacy of June 12 and build the democratic future that MKO Abiola and so many others died for? The journey continues, but with renewed hope, it seems that the Nigerian dream may one day be realized.
