MKO Abiola: A Recognized Leader in Nigeria’s Democratic History.

In recent statements, celebrated human rights activist and lawyer Femi Falana underscored a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political landscape: the recognition of MKO Abiola as the duly elected president since the landmark June 12, 1993 election. This affirmation followed the recent admissions by former military Head of State Ibrahim Babangida, acknowledging the historical significance of Abiola’s victory.

During an appearance on Channels TV, Falana emphasized that Abiola’s legitimacy as president has been an enduring sentiment among the Nigerian populace since 1993. He articulated that any attempts to reinterpret this narrative are now merely a belated acceptance of what has been widely acknowledged by the citizens for decades.

Furthermore, Falana addressed Babangida’s proposition to establish a library, contending that such an initiative would be inappropriate for a former military leader. He argued that the nature of a presidential library should reflect an elected official’s mandate, stating, “What do you want to read there? You can only have a library set up by an elected president.” He recommended titling it as the “former military president library” to avoid misleading interpretations.

This discourse serves as a critical reminder of the importance of recognizing democratic principles and the choices of the electorate. As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex history, the acknowledgment of figures like MKO Abiola remains vital to understanding the values and aspirations of its people.