Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has stated that Nigerians have already acknowledged the late MKO Abiola as a former president, regardless of official recognition. Abiola won the 1993 presidential election, which was later annulled by then-military ruler Ibrahim Babangida.
Three decades after the election, Babangida admitted during the launch of his memoir that Abiola had indeed won but claimed the annulment was in the “national interest.” His admission has since sparked renewed calls for President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize Abiola as a former president.
However, Falana argued that Nigerians had already accorded Abiola that status long ago.
“Since 1993, he has been recognized by the people of Nigeria as an elected president,” Falana said on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday. “Those trying to turn back the clock are just now acknowledging what has long been known.”
