Former Abia State governor and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on former military president Ibrahim Babangida to fully disclose the events surrounding the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election in the second edition of his book.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, Senator Kalu responded to recent revelations in Babangida’s newly released memoirs, in which the former military ruler admitted that the late Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1992 election.
“Yes, Abiola won the election. And I will say President Tinubu should declare him president posthumously,” Kalu said.
The Abia North Senator lauded former President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to confer a posthumous national honour on Abiola 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 recognise him and place his image where it belongs. This would help bring succour to his family,” he added.
Addressing the content of General Babangida’s memoirs, Senator Kalu described it as incomplete and urged the former military leader to publish a second volume addressing unanswered questions surrounding the annulment of the June 12 election.
“I look forward to the second edition of Babangida’s book because the first did not reveal all the realities. I was present during the events of June 12, and I know what happened. Babangida should call out the names of those responsible for preventing the election declaration,” he said.
In addition, the Senator dismissed claims that the 1966 coup was an ethnic conspiracy, stating, “The coup in question was not an Igbo coup; it was a Nigerian coup, executed by the military.” He reiterated, “Moshood Abiola won that election, and there is no doubt about it.”
Beyond the June 12 controversy, Kalu subtly began a campaign for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. When asked about the next presidential election, he confidently remarked, “Yes, Asiwaju will win in 2027.”
Known for his distinctive white traditional attire, Senator Kalu appeared in a burgundy-colored outfit, explaining that the colour symbolised continuity. “This is continuity; it means Asiwaju, continue,” he declared.
Kalu argued that history had shown that even presidents with perceived underperformance securing second terms, urging Nigerians to remain patient with Tinubu’s reform agenda.
“We are appealing to Nigerians to be patient with the reform process. We are not looking for another presidential candidate outside our party. We are fully aligned with democratic principles and supporting the sitting president.
“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 stated.
The Senator’s remarks come as the nation continues to grapple with the unresolved issue of the June 12 election, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s political history.
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