Babangida never apologised for June 12 annulment, says Kola Abiola

Kola Abiola, the first son of the late Moshood Abiola, has stated that former military president Ibrahim Babangida never apologised to the Abiola family over the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Speaking on ARISE News, Kola said that 32 years after the annulment, the family had not received a formal apology from Babangida.

Although Babangida took responsibility for the cancellation of the election in his recently launched memoir, A Journey in Service, Kola said the attempt to blame an unnamed general undermined any genuine effort at reconciliation.

His words: “You cannot have a programme that took us six years and cost the country about $5 billion and not come straight and clean.

“You cannot have a scenario where you blame one man. You mentioned a lieutenant general when we have another brigadier general whom you refused to name.”

He said the refusal to identify all those involved was a disservice to the legacy of MKO Abiola, who “paid the supreme sacrifice.”

“I believe that book was a big opportunity to set the record straight, even if it is for MKO alone. I don’t believe those involved should remain nameless,” he added.

Kola dismissed claims by a family member, Lekan Abiola, that Babangida had privately apologised to the family.

He said: “President Buhari went public and apologised to the family, the voters, and the country.

“That is how it is done, not privately. I’m not aware of such an apology. Maybe to him. This is not a personal thing. It is a national thing.”

Kola also faulted the list of Nigerians recently honoured by President Bola Tinubu for their roles in the June 12 struggle, saying some key players were left out.

He described the list as incomplete and containing repetitions, adding that several individuals already had national honours before the new awards were given.

His words: “On June 12, when the honours list was rolled out, we expected the first eleven of those who played key roles in the June 12 election matters.

“The current president has started the process. He also said the list was not exhaustive, so let’s see what will be done.”

He recounted his contributions to the struggle, including being detained for over four years, but said the recognition should not be about him alone.

“I was being trailed by security forces. If not for my daughter, I don’t know where I would have been today,” he said.