Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to settle a N45 billion debt allegedly owed to the late Chief Moshood Abiola, calling it a symbolic gesture necessary to bring closure to the historic June 12, 1993, election struggle.
Lamido made this appeal during the launch of his autobiography titled Being True to Myself, held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja on Monday. He argued that making the payment would not only be morally just but would also mark the final resolution of the injustice Abiola suffered following the annulment of the 1993 presidential election.
He said, “Before concluding, I appeal to President Tinubu to finally close the June 12 chapter. In his book, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida acknowledged Abiola’s victory in that election. When I visited him, he also confirmed Abiola is owed N45 billion. He was doubly punished: denied both the presidency and his due.”
The former governor directed his plea to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, who represented President Tinubu at the event, urging him to convey the message directly to the President.
“Please tell the President to pay the Abiola family the N45 billion. That will finally close the June 12 chapter,” Lamido emphasized.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), General Ibrahim Babangida recently confirmed—32 years after the election—that Chief Abiola indeed won the June 12, 1993, poll. The annulment of that election triggered widespread political turmoil and eventually led to Babangida’s resignation from office.
Earlier at the event, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, praised Lamido’s autobiography as a valuable and candid reflection on Nigeria’s political history. Jega said such works are crucial for promoting civic education and preserving the nation’s democratic memory.
The book was officially launched by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while Dr. Iyorchia Ayu served as the reviewer. Ayu described the autobiography as “a personal encounter with power and leadership.”
Other notable attendees included Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
What you should know
Chief Moshood Abiola is widely regarded as the rightful winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. The recent confirmation by General Babangida further strengthens long-standing claims of electoral injustice. Lamido’s public appeal adds renewed urgency to calls for full restitution, aiming to offer the Abiola family long-overdue justice and national recognition.
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