Orji Kalu Urges Tinubu to Declare MKO Abiola a Past President

Senator 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, Kalu insisted that Abiola’s portrait should be placed alongside those of other former leaders in the Presidential Villa.

His remarks come after former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida admitted in his memoir 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, commending former President Muhammadu Buhari for previously honoring Abiola with a national award but emphasizing that more recognition was needed.

Kalu also urged Babangida to release a second volume of his memoir to reveal the full truth about the annulment of the June 12 election, stating, “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 his advocacy for Abiola, Kalu subtly pushed for Tinubu’s reelection in 2027, expressing confidence in his victory and urging Nigerians to be patient with the president’s reform agenda.

“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.