Bola Ahmed Tinubu became Nigeria’s president many years after his late ally MKO Abiola failed to make it to the top leadership of the country, according to Vice President Kassim Shettima.
Shettima made the remark on Thursday during the Democracy Day lecture held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, marking Nigeria’s 26th anniversary of democracy and June 12, 1993 election.
The magazine reported that President Tinubu made sweeping announcement, including the issuance of presidential pardon for the killed environmental activist, Ken Saro -Wiwa and
eight Ogoni activists murdered by the military regime of Gen Sanni Abacha, and conferment of national honours on prominent Nigerians who he said fought for democracy in the hey days of the military.
Recall that the military junta of Gen Abacha had clamped down on democracy activists, including Abiola, the winner of the June 12, 2023 presidential election who later died in government detention, and others who fought for the validation of the historic election.
Speaking yesterday, the vice president said fate has thrust the leadership of the country on President Tinubu, a close ally of the June 12 winner and one of the leaders of the pro-democratic body the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO that fought the military for Abiola to be installed as president.
He explained that Abiola’s ‘dream’ has been realised in Tinubu many years after the military annulled the election, saying the late business mogul did not die in vain due to the enduring resolve of Nigerians.
He added that President Tinubu has not taken the opportunity for granted, noting that the president has been trying to build a national consensus since he came to power two years ago, adding that those who sacrificed their ‘comfort’ and ‘freedom’ for democracy did not do so in vain.
He said: “Abiola’s dream inspired Nigerians to uphold what is right, defend electoral choice, and honour the sacrifices that built the roots of our democracy.
“This faith in Abiola’s promise has renewed hope for Nigeria.
“In the great theatre of providence, history returns the baton to Abiola’s ally in democracy’s struggle —President Tinubu.
“The ticket once denied Nigerians — the Abiola-Kingibe ticket — finds reflection and vindication in Tinubu’s leadership, mirroring its spirit and conviction.
“Tinubu, a leader who has preserved democracy’s flame through years of fire and storm.
“I’m honoured to share the weight of this history and the depth of its memory,” Shettima said.
Nigerians, including myself, remain thankful to serve in a government that listens to all voices.
“There is no doubt Tinubu honours that covenant — reaching across divides to build a nation for all,” Shettima said.
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