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 plenary on Tuesday, Kalu urged that Abiola’s portrait be placed alongside those of other former leaders in the Presidential Villa. His call follows revelations in the recently released 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 conferring a national honor 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 honor, but I also appeal to President Tinubu to officially recognize him and place his image where it belongs. This would help bring succor to his family,” he added.
On Babangida’s memoir, Kalu described it as incomplete and urged the former military leader to release a second volume addressing unanswered questions about 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.
Addressing historical narratives, Kalu dismissed claims that the 1966 coup was an ethnic conspiracy, stating that it was “not an Igbo coup, but a Nigerian coup, executed by the military.”
Beyond June 12, the senator also subtly launched a campaign for President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027. When asked about the next presidential election, he responded confidently: “Yes, Asiwaju will win in 2027.”
Kalu, who is known for wearing white traditional attire, appeared in a burgundy-colored outfit, which he said symbolized continuity. “This is continuity; it means Asiwaju, continue,” he declared.
He further urged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu’s reform agenda, asserting that history had shown even presidents with perceived underperformance had secured second terms.
“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,” Kalu stated.
“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 concluded.
