Abdul Abiola, son of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, recently shared his thoughts on his father’s enduring legacy during an appearance on the “Mic on Podcast” with Seun Okinbaloye. Abdul expressed deep pride in his father’s commitment to democracy, stating, “The actions he took (sacrificing himself for democracy) shows the conviction in his drive and in his dream for the country. I’m even more proud of him now for his stance during that period.” He emphasized that the support his father received was genuine, noting, “My father did not pay for any of these votes. He sent a message and that was what resonated with the Nigerian people.”
Abdul Abiola also candidly discussed family dynamics and unresolved grievances following his father’s death. He openly criticized his older brother, Kola Abiola, for failing to uphold their father’s legacy, saying, “I definitely blame my older brother for the manner in which things have gone in terms of sustaining our father’s legacy. He was in a pivotal position after our father died.” Abdul further revealed personal conflicts, including an allegation of an affair between Kola and General Babangida’s daughter during their father’s imprisonment. He questioned Kola’s political ambitions, stating,
“I don’t know how he thought he could become President of Nigeria while he cannot manage the Abiola Empire? How does he want to manage Nigeria?”
The significance of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was annulled, remains a pivotal topic in Nigerian history. Abdul highlighted his father’s profound connection with the Nigerian people, remarking,
“My father understood that it wasn’t him that won the election. The Nigerian people vested the trust in him.”
He criticized the leaders responsible for the annulment, particularly targeting General Babangida, whom he disparaged for his lack of sacrifice for the country: “He said he couldn’t die for the country. So, I would take that ‘General’ away from his name and just call him ‘Ibrahim.'”
Abdul Abiola also called for justice regarding the assassination of his mother, Kudirat Abiola, who was gunned down in 1996. He recounted the ominous feeling he had on the day of her death, saying, “That day that my mother was gunned down by assassins, I didn’t want to go to school. For some reason, I knew something was going to happen to my mother.” Emphasizing the need for accountability, he stated, “The assassination of my mother is a big injustice and should be addressed. Somebody should be held accountable. There should be some kind of value to this.” Abdul highlighted the international implications of his parents’ activism and their significant contributions to the fight for democracy in Nigeria.
Click to watch full clip.