Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC-Abia) has urged President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize the late Chief MKO Abiola as one of Nigeria’s former presidents posthumously. Kalu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Privatisation, advocated for Abiola’s portrait to be displayed alongside those of other Nigerian presidents. He made this call following the recent acknowledgment by former military president, retired General Ibrahim Babangida, that Abiola had indeed won the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was considered the freest and fairest in the country’s history.

In his memoir A Journey in Service: An Autobiography, Babangida admitted that Abiola won the election, putting to rest years of controversy surrounding the annulment. Kalu, a former governor of Abia, expressed his belief that, with Babangida’s recent statement, the issue should now be considered settled. He emphasized that it was time for Tinubu to posthumously declare Abiola as one of Nigeria’s legitimate presidents and honor him by placing his portrait among those of other presidents.

Kalu also praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for awarding Abiola a national honor, which he saw as an important step toward acknowledging Abiola’s legacy. He further expressed that such an act would provide comfort to Abiola’s family.

When asked about Babangida’s memoir, Kalu stated that the book was incomplete, suggesting that a second volume should be written, focusing on unanswered questions surrounding the June 12 election. Additionally, Kalu urged Nigerians to support Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections, stating that despite challenges, the ongoing reforms under Tinubu were essential for the country’s progress. He emphasized that the APC would not entertain any opposition to Tinubu’s candidacy.