Moshood Abiola: President Buhari Tenders Apology To Nigerians Over Annulled Election

Unic Press UK: President Muhammadu Buhari has apologized to Nigerians over the annulled Presidential Election of 12 June 1993, making remarkable reference to Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (popularly called M K O) – the presumed winner of the election that was annulled by the military administration of Ibrahim Babangida.

Speaking today 12 June –  a day his administration has now set aside for commemorating the Democracy Day by virtue of his proclamation on 6 June 2018 – Buhari said: “We recognize that an error has been committed. I earnestly urge Nigerians to accept it in good faith and bury the past of June 12. On behalf of the Federal Government, I tender the nation’s apology to the family of the Late M K O Abiola, who got the highest votes in the June 12, 1993 election; and to all those who lost their loved ones in the cause of the June 12 struggle. The decision and this event is not an attempt to open old wounds, but to put right a national wrong.”

On behalf of the Federal Government, I tender the nation’s apology to the family of the Late MKO Abiola, who got the highest votes in the June 12, 1993 election; and to all those who lost their loved ones in the cause of the June 12 struggle.

— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) June 12, 2018

The Nigerian president also used today’s occasion to carry out the investiture of national honours on Nigerians, including posthumous awards on Moshood Abiola and Gani Fawehinmi.

Moshood Abiola (1937 – 1998)

Gani Fawehinmi [1938-2009], a civil rights icon and expert in law.

Fawehinmi received a posthumous award of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).