Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Urges President Tinubu to Declare Late MKO Abiola a Former President of Nigeria

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to officially declare the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as one of Nigeria’s former Presidents.

The statement, made by the senator during a recent public address, seeks to honor Abiola’s legacy and recognize his significant contribution to the country’s democratic history.

Senator Kalu emphasized that Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, should be formally acknowledged for his role in Nigeria’s journey toward democracy. He expressed that Abiola’s sacrifice and the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria deserved official recognition at the highest level of government.

"President Tinubu, as a leader who understands the value of democracy and the sacrifices made to secure it, should move forward with the declaration of Chief MKO Abiola as one of Nigeria’s former Presidents. This would serve as both a symbolic and historical gesture to honor a man whose legacy remains integral to the nation’s political evolution," Kalu stated.

Abiola’s election in 1993 was famously annulled by the then-military regime, sparking widespread protests and leading to a long period of political turmoil. Abiola was later imprisoned by the military government, and his tragic death in 1998 while still incarcerated has been a source of national reflection.

In 2018, MKO Abiola was posthumously awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Nigeria’s highest national honor, but Kalu’s call for formal recognition as a former president adds a new layer of tribute to the late business tycoon and politician.

This move, if accepted, would further solidify Abiola’s place in Nigeria’s political history and provide a sense of closure to the many who view his efforts as instrumental in Nigeria’s eventual return to civilian rule.