A former lawmaker from Lagos State, Jude Idimogu, has called upon President Bola Tinubu to recognise Chief M.K.O. Abiola as a former Nigerian President posthumously.
Idimogu, who served as the representative for Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II from 2015 to 2023, made this appeal during an interview with journalists on Friday.
Naijaonpoint reports that the former lawmaker’s request was prompted by recent statements in the memoir of former military leader, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), who acknowledged that Abiola was the victor of the 1993 election.
“I commend the President for recognising democracy heroes such as the late Kudirat Abiola and Bola Ige, among others, for their democratic struggles.
“Yes, Abiola won the election, and I urge President Tinubu to declare him an ex-president posthumously, in recognition of his democratic victory,” he said.
He, however, remarked that such a declaration is contingent upon the President’s disposition and whether it is in accordance with constitutional and legal protocols.
Idimogu stated that M.K.O. Abiola was not officially recognized as the winner by the electoral authority because the election was annulled prior to the final announcement.
He emphasized that the resolution is governed by constitutional limitations and the will of the President, indicating that the National Assembly may also need to participate.
In general, the execution is reliant on the President’s mindset and readiness to tackle the issue in a legal and appropriate manner, he remarked.
Idimogu commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for awarding Abiola a posthumous national honor, but asserted that further acknowledgment is necessary.
He indicated that although the June 12, 1993, election is a thing of the past, its lessons continue to be crucial for Nigeria’s democratic progress.
According to him, Nigeria must guarantee a genuinely independent electoral commission if it aspires to replicate the transparency of June 12.
He asserted that the president should refrain from influencing the appointment of the electoral commission’s chairman to ensure impartiality.
Idimogu noted that emulating the 1993 election in the present day would be challenging due to numerous entrenched political interests.
He said, “Even if the president stays neutral, political parties may still interfere to secure victory for their candidates.
“Back in 1993, Nigerians were more united in seeking national progress. Today, the country is more divided along ethnic and religious lines.”
Idimogu reminisced about the 1993 election, which was overseen by Humphrey Nwosu utilising Option A4, showcasing a level of unity that is seldom observed in contemporary politics.
Regarding electoral reform, Idimogu expressed concern that numerous leaders and citizens demonstrate a lack of patriotism, frequently prioritising personal or partisan interests over the national good.