Kalu to IBB: Name those who annulled June 12 election

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has challenged former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, to unveil the full truth behind the annulment of Nigeria’s historic June 12, 1993 election, an election widely believed to be the freest and fairest in the country’s history.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Kalu, the senator representing Abia North, urged Babangida to publish a follow-up to his recently launched memoir, one that would address long-standing questions and reveal those responsible for the controversial decision that kept the late Chief MKO Abiola from assuming office.

“I look forward to the second edition of Babangida’s book because the first did not reveal all the realities,” Kalu said, his voice steady and resolute. “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.”

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Babangida’s memoir, launched last week, made headlines when the former military leader admitted, for the first time in writing, that Abiola had indeed won the election conducted 32 years ago.

But that admission, Kalu argued, only scratches the surface. Nigerians deserve to know who wielded the power to overturn the people’s will and why they did it.

But Kalu didn’t stop there. He called on President Bola Tinubu to take a step further in righting history’s wrongs by officially recognizing Abiola as one of Nigeria’s past presidents — a recognition many believe is long overdue.

“Since Abiola won, his picture should be placed among Nigeria’s past presidents,” Kalu stated. “I commend former President Muhammadu 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.”

For many Nigerians, the annulment of the June 12 election remains an open wound; a painful symbol of lost democracy and silenced voices. Kalu’s demand for full disclosure is likely to reignite conversations about accountability and historical clarity.

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