Former Governor of Jigawa State and ex-National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party, Sule Lamido, has claimed that the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, won by the late MKO Abiola, was tied to an alleged N45bn debt owed to Abiola by the military government of late General Murtala Mohammed
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the launch of his autobiography, Being True to Myself, Lamido alleged that the military annulled the election out of fear that if Abiola assumed office as President, he would demand repayment of the debt, which could have plunged the country into a financial crisis.
“When General Murtala Mohammed died, Abiola claimed he was owed about N45bn for contracts executed by International Telephone and Telegraph for the Ministry of Communications. The military high command refused to pay. Abiola went around northern emirs to lobby for the debt to be settled, and they supported him,” Lamido said.
“But the military annulled the June 12 election because they feared that as President, he would demand his money and bankrupt the country. Those close to Abacha knew this; he was a key figure at the time.”
Lamido appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to resolve the matter by paying the Abiola family the outstanding debt.
“Before I end my remarks, I want to appeal to President Tinubu to finally close the chapter of June 12. General Ibrahim Babangida, in his book and in person, confirmed that Abiola won the election and is owed N45bn. He was doubly punished—first, denied the presidency; second, denied what is owed to him,” he said.
He urged the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris Malagi—who represented the President at the event—to relay the appeal.
“Please tell the President to pay the Abiola family the N45bn. Once this is done, the June 12 chapter will be closed. It is very important,” he added.
Also speaking at the book presentation, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said the mission to rebuild Nigeria was far from over and called on Lamido and other elder statesmen not to retire from public service.
“You are now a statesman, but Nigeria hasn’t reached where it should be. Our job is not finished until we are finished,” Obasanjo stated.
He praised Lamido’s contributions as Foreign Affairs Minister under his administration, saying he played a key role in restoring Nigeria’s global reputation after years of diplomatic isolation.
President Tinubu, in his remarks delivered by Minister Malagi, described Lamido’s autobiography as a valuable addition to Nigeria’s political history. He lauded Lamido as a principled voice in opposition and reaffirmed his administration’s openness to constructive criticism.
Malagi also highlighted Tinubu’s ongoing economic and security reforms, noting that although challenging, they are beginning to show results.
“Are we where we want to be? No. But President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown uncommon audacity and vision to set Nigeria on the path of growth and development. We are now entering a phase of intended beneficial outcomes,” he said.
The event was chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who encouraged more Nigerian leaders to document their stories.
“I hope Being True to Myself will inspire others to write. We all have a role to play in building a better Nigeria,” Jega said.
The event was attended by a host of political heavyweights, including former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo; former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Pius Anyim; ex-Governors Rotimi Amaechi, Gabriel Suswam, Ahmed Makarfi, Babangida Aliyu, and Liyel Imoke; and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Also present were Governors Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).
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