Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize the late Chief MKO Abiola as one of Nigeria’s past presidents.
Speaking to Senate correspondents before Tuesday’s plenary session, Kalu insisted that Abiola’s portrait should be placed alongside those of other former leaders in the Presidential Villa.
His remarks followed recent revelations in the memoir of former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.), who admitted that Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
“Yes, Abiola won the election. And I will say President Tinubu should declare him a president posthumously,” Kalu stated.
He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for honouring Abiola with a posthumous national award but stressed that further recognition was necessary.
“Since Abiola won, his picture should be placed among Nigeria’s past presidents. I commend former President Buhari for giving him a national honour, but I also appeal to President Tinubu to officially recognize him and place his image where it belongs. This would bring succour to his family,” he added.
Kalu also urged Babangida to release a second volume of his memoir to reveal the full details of the June 12 annulment, saying, “I was present during the events of June 12, and I know what happened. Babangida should call out those responsible for preventing the election declaration.”
Beyond June 12, Kalu subtly pushed for President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027. When asked about the next presidential election, he confidently stated, “Yes, Asiwaju will win in 2027.”
He further urged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu’s reform agenda, asserting that even presidents with perceived underperformance have historically secured second terms.
“The good news is that we will win again in 2027. The president will return, and Nigerians will celebrate with us. That is inevitable,” he declared.
