Hafsat Abiola-Costello, daughter of the late Chief MKO Abiola, has responded to former military leader Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s admission that her father won the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Reacting to Babangida’s revelation in his autobiograpghy, ‘A Journey In Service,’ Hafsat stated, “My father won, we always knew it.”
She noted in a statement on Friday that while the acknowledgement is significant, it does not change the pain and injustice suffered by her family and Nigerians.
“For decades, Nigerians have known the truth. This is not new to us. But it is important that history records it from those who played a role in that dark chapter,” she added.
Babangida’s confession has reignited discussions on the annulled election, with many calling for deeper reflections on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the sacrifices made for its progress.
“For those that kept expressing doubt that Nigerians had spoken so decisively on that day, I’m glad that General IBB’s admission that MKO won the election can now lay the matter to rest,” she said.
She noted that whenever the date is mentioned, her thoughts go to her parents, MKO and Kudirat Abiola.
She noted that the importance of June 12 goes beyond them, as it represented the collective hope of Nigerians for a better and more united country.
The statement reads, “When anyone mentions June 12, my mind always goes to MKO and Kudi. But June 12’s staying power was because the vote that Nigerians expressed that day was a vote for a better future and for unity.
“MKO may have been the symbol of the Hope ‘93 campaign but June 12 was about more than one man, it was about the promise of Nigeria that would deliver for Nigerians.
“For those that kept expressing doubt that Nigerians had spoken so decisively on that day, I’m glad that General IBB’s admission that MKO won the election can now lay the matter to rest.
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“It’s sad that such a galvanising statement as the breakthrough vote for MKO should have been truncated by an unjust annulment. But I will be forever grateful to both MKO and Kudi for not allowing their fears for their personal safety to stand in the way of the people’s desire for a better Nigeria. May such commitment endure.”