The political history of Nigeria is filled with twists and turns, many of which continue to shape the country’s democratic journey. One such significant event is the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election. This election, won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, was abruptly nullified by the then-military government led by General Ibrahim Babangida, throwing the country into political turmoil.
In the years that followed, various political actors took different stances, with some fighting for democracy while others sought personal political survival. Recently, fresh claims have emerged regarding the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during this period. According to Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tinubu initially sought a political appointment under General Sani Abacha before becoming a pro-democracy activist.
Did Tinubu Seek a Role Under Abacha?
Chief Bode George alleged that Tinubu, who is now Nigeria’s president, initially attempted to secure a commissioner position in Lagos State under General Sani Abacha. According to George, Tinubu was willing to work within the military government before turning to activism after failing to secure a political role.
“It is true that Tinubu went to beg for a commissioner position. He was in the Villa, and Gen. Oladipo Diya is a witness. He (Tinubu) said he wanted to be a deputy to a military administrator, and when all that didn’t work, he went into his activism,” George claimed.
These statements align with a recent claim by Kola Abiola, son of the late MKO Abiola. Kola Abiola alleged that Tinubu only joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to advocate for the June 12 mandate after his efforts to secure a role under Abacha failed.
Kola Abiola’s View on Tinubu’s Role in the June 12 Struggle
Kola Abiola, who has consistently spoken about his father’s legacy, recently addressed what he perceives as a misrepresentation of history. He argued that Tinubu was not among the earliest activists fighting for the restoration of his father’s mandate. Instead, he alleged that Tinubu’s activism began only after he was denied a political position by the Abacha government.
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According to Kola Abiola:
“Most of what people are saying today about the June 12 struggle is not accurate. Many individuals who claim to have fought for my father’s mandate only joined when it was convenient for them. They were not there from the beginning.”
Bode George backed Kola Abiola’s claims, stating that Kola was simply setting the record straight. He also highlighted the personal sacrifices made by Kola Abiola and his family during the struggle for democracy.
“He spoke from the heart. He was trying to correct the narrative and ensure that history is not rewritten for political convenience. His family endured great suffering—his father was unjustly imprisoned, his mother passed away, and their businesses suffered greatly,” George said.
The claim that Tinubu initially sought a position under Abacha before turning to activism raises questions about the motivations of some political figures during Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democracy.
June 12: A Lesson Yet to Be Learned?
The annulment of the June 12 election sparked a massive pro-democracy movement in Nigeria, leading to widespread protests and political unrest. Organizations like NADECO were formed to resist military rule and push for the recognition of MKO Abiola’s mandate. Many Nigerians who were part of this movement faced imprisonment, exile, or worse.
Despite the recognition of June 12 as a national holiday in recent years, Bode George believes that Nigeria has yet to fully learn from the lessons of that era. He criticized the way June 12 is often used as a political tool rather than as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s democratic growth.
“Now, June 12 has been adopted as a national holiday, but have we learned any serious lessons from it? Have we taken steps to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated?” George asked.
He argued that Nigeria was more united during the June 12 struggle than it is today. According to him, the fight for democracy in the 1990s brought together Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds in a common cause. He lamented that today’s political landscape is more divided than ever, with leaders using historical events for political gain rather than fostering national unity.
Political Ambitions vs. Democratic Ideals
The controversy surrounding Tinubu’s alleged attempt to secure a position under Abacha raises broader questions about political ambition versus genuine commitment to democratic ideals. Was Tinubu’s eventual activism a sincere effort to restore democracy, or was it simply a response to being denied a position in the military government?
This debate is significant because it touches on the motivations of many Nigerian politicians. Some argue that many individuals who claim to be pro-democracy activists were primarily driven by their own political ambitions. Others believe that regardless of his initial motivations, Tinubu played an important role in Nigeria’s transition to democracy.
Political analysts have pointed out that history should not be rewritten to fit current political narratives. While Tinubu’s supporters argue that he made significant contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, critics insist that his initial attempts to align with Abacha should not be ignored.
The Future of Nigeria’s Democracy
As Nigeria continues to evolve politically, the lessons of June 12 should serve as a guiding principle for future leaders. The country must ensure that democratic values such as transparency, accountability, and fairness are upheld.
Rather than using historical events as political tools, leaders should focus on meaningful reforms that address Nigeria’s pressing challenges. Issues such as electoral integrity, good governance, and national unity should take precedence over political propaganda.
Bode George emphasized this point, stating:
“What we need is not just a public holiday or speeches about democracy. We need real reforms. We need leaders who will prioritize national unity and the welfare of Nigerians over personal ambitions.”
Many Nigerians believe that the true spirit of June 12 lies in fostering an inclusive democracy where all citizens have a voice. For the country to truly move forward, it must acknowledge past mistakes and ensure that history is not manipulated for political gain.
Conclusion
The claims made by Bode George and Kola Abiola regarding Tinubu’s political history have reignited discussions about the true nature of Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement. While some see Tinubu as a key player in Nigeria’s democratic journey, others question his motivations.
Ultimately, the lessons of June 12 should go beyond political rhetoric. They should inspire genuine efforts toward democratic consolidation, national unity, and good governance. Nigerians must remain vigilant and demand accountability from their leaders to prevent a repeat of past mistakes.
As the country continues on its democratic path, one pressing question remains: Has Nigeria truly embraced the ideals of June 12, or are political narratives being rewritten to serve personal interests?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Do you believe Nigeria has fully learned from the events of June 12, 1993?
