A former local government chairman, Abayomi Adesanya, has called on President Bola Tinubu to officially announce the late Chief MKO Abiola as the winner of the 1993 election.
Adesanya, who chaired Okitipupa Local Government in Ondo State, made the call at a news conference in Akure. He said it was necessary for historical accuracy.
The election was contested between the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC), but was annulled prematurely.
“It may seem delayed, but justice never expires. Announcing the results of the freest, fairest presidential election is essential for Nigeria’s democratic legacy,” he said.
He added that the election was annulled unjustly by then Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), without any valid reason.
At the time, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) Chairman, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, was poised to announce the results between Abiola (SDP) and Tofa (NRC).
The annulment sparked a major national crisis, with many lives lost. Prominent Nigerians, including President Tinubu and Prof. Wole Soyinka, went into exile for safety.
“Since government is a continuum, and the results of the June 12, 1993 election are still held by INEC, it is time to announce them,” he stressed.
Adesanya suggested that President Tinubu should instruct the INEC Chairman to officially declare the election results from each state, making Abiola President and Alhaji Kingibe Vice President.
He also urged for the prosecution of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida for his unconstitutional annulment of the election, which was widely regarded as Nigeria’s most peaceful and free election.
“If we want to progress as a nation, we must rectify past wrongs. Consequences for such actions are necessary to deter future mistakes,” he added.
As a former SDP youth leader, Adesanya emphasised that the true number of votes cast should be made public, honouring those who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.
(NAN)
