The late business mogul and politician was the winner of the annulled presidential poll on June 12, 1993, an election considered to be the freest and fairest in the political history of Nigeria.
Abiola polled a total of 8,342,309 votes to defeat his closest rival, Bashir Tofa, who could only garner 5,952,087 votes before the then Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, annulled the results.
The late icon of democracy died in his struggle to reclaim his mandate in 1998, four weeks after former military dictator, General Sani Abacha, died in mysterious circumstances in June of the same year.
Reacting to the sacrifice 30 years after his demise, the Chairman of the United States chapter of the APC, Prof. Tai Balofin, disclosed in a statement issued on Monday that Nigerians will continue to find strength through his legacy.
He also praised the contributions of countless other individuals and unsung heroes who tirelessly fought for the transition of the country from an autocratic regime to civilian rule.
He said, “Today, as we gather to celebrate Democracy Day, we are reminded of the remarkable journey our nation has undertaken. June 12, 2023 marks a significant milestone of 30 years since the historic 1993 presidential elections, which have become synonymous with the struggle for democracy and the pursuit of justice. On this auspicious occasion, we come together to honour the memory of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, GCFR, one of our national heroes for democracy. His unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and his ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire us today. Through his legacy, we find the strength and determination to forge ahead, ensuring a peaceful and harmonious transition.
“As Chairman of the APC USA, I am filled with hope and optimism for our nation. The signs we have witnessed so far are encouraging. Sportsmanship prevailed as winners displayed magnanimity in victory, while those who did not succeed showed grace and dignity in defeat. It is heartening to see aggrieved individuals opting for judicial justice, demonstrating their faith in the rule of law rather than resorting to chaos or violence. This reflects the maturing nature of our democracy and the progress made over the past three decades.
“I am particularly delighted to witness a significant increase in the participation of women and youth in the political process. Across all parties, we see more women and young individuals stepping forward, aspiring to be the agents of change our nation needs. This development bodes well for our future, demonstrating inclusivity and broad representation within our political landscape. As we celebrate Democracy Day, let us not forget the sacrifices made by countless individuals who tirelessly fought for the democratic values we hold dear. They laid the foundation upon which we stand today, and we must safeguard and strengthen this foundation for generations to come.”
