Abdulmumuni Abiola, son of the late MKO Abiola and Kudirat Abiola, has expressed that it is healing for the Nigerian people that former Military President Ibrahim Babangida admitted regret over the annulment of his father’s victory in the 1993 Presidential election. Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, Abdulmumuni stated that Babangida’s remorse and recognition of Abiola’s victory help to validate the long-held truth about the election.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Reflecting on Babangida’s statement, Abdulmumuni shared his personal journey: “I knew from a young age, even before the announcement, that my father had won. The second part—Babangida expressing remorse for his actions—was more important to me. It shows that he acknowledges his mistake, and it’s essential to forgive ourselves to heal and move forward.”
Abdulmumuni emphasized that Babangida’s confession has effectively closed the chapter on the disputed election. He noted, “By acknowledging my father’s victory, Babangida has put the matter to rest. We now know that Abiola won the 1993 election, and this brings healing not just to our family, but to the Nigerian people who gave him their mandate.”
In his emotional reflection on the June 12, 1993 events, Abdulmumuni recounted the personal loss his family endured due to the annulment. “When the election was annulled, my father fought for justice but was arrested and eventually lost his life. My mother also fought for his release and lost her life in the process. I became an orphan because of that event,” he shared.
He acknowledged the trauma felt by Nigerians during that turbulent period, noting the uncertainty and brain drain that followed the annulment. However, Abdulmumuni emphasized the need to move forward rather than dwell on the past. “While we can’t change the past, we can focus on the future. My father had a vision for a better Nigeria, and I’m committed to realizing that vision by channeling the anger and frustration into productive actions for the country.”
Abdulmumuni also recognized the broader impact of June 12, explaining that many Nigerians, including his father’s supporters, lost businesses, livelihoods, and even their lives in the aftermath of the annulment. But, he urged the country to focus on progress, saying, “We have a nation to build, and it’s not just my father’s project—it’s the collective project of all Nigerians. We need to turn the page and prioritize Nigeria’s future.”
Closing his remarks, Abdulmumuni stressed, “Democracy is a journey, not a destination. I am committed to the Nigerian project, and I hope others will join me in working together to build a better future for our nation.”
