Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has called on President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize Chief Moshood Abiola as one of Nigeria’s former presidents.
Speaking to Senate correspondents on Tuesday before entering the chambers for plenary, Kalu suggested that Abiola’s portrait should be displayed alongside those of other past Nigerian leaders. He emphasized that this recognition would bring closure to the controversy surrounding the June 12, 1993, election, which was annulled despite being widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.
Kalu’s appeal follows the recent revelation in the memoir of former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), titled A Journey in Service: An Autobiography, in which Babangida confirmed that Abiola won the 1993 presidential election.
“Yes, Abiola won the election. I appeal to President Tinubu to officially declare him a past president and place his image where it belongs. Former President Buhari already conferred a posthumous national honor on him, but full recognition as a past leader would provide justice and succor to his family,” Kalu stated.
While commending Babangida’s autobiography, Kalu noted that it did not fully address the circumstances surrounding the annulment of the election. He urged the former military president to release a Part II of his memoir, detailing the key figures behind the decision to void Abiola’s victory.
“I was present during the events of June 12, and I know what happened. Babangida should reveal the names of those who pressured him to annul the election. This was not an ethnic coup—it was a Nigerian coup, carried out by the military. Abiola’s victory is undeniable.”
Kalu also used the opportunity to declare support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, expressing confidence that the president would win another term.
“Yes, Asiwaju will win in 2027. Many Nigerian presidents who faced challenges in their first term still secured a second term. We urge Nigerians to be patient with the reform process, and we are fully behind the president.”
The senator, dressed in a burgundy outfit instead of his signature white attire, said his choice symbolized continuity, reinforcing his stance that Tinubu should continue leading the country beyond 2027.
