June 12 Annulled Over N45 Billion Debt Claim, Says Lamido

Former National Secretary of the now-defunct Social Democratic Party and ex-Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has claimed that the annulment of Nigeria’s June 12, 1993 presidential election, won by the late MKO Abiola, was influenced by an unpaid N45 billion debt. Lamido linked this debt to the military government of the late General Murtala Mohammed, alleging that the military refused to settle contracts owed to Abiola, which contributed to the cancellation of the election.

Lamido made these remarks during the Tuesday launch of his autobiography, titled ‘Being True to Myself,’ in Abuja. He asserted that after Murtala Mohammed’s death, Abiola claimed to be owed about N45 billion for telecommunications contracts. Despite lobbying efforts, the military high command refused to pay, and Lamido suggested that the military feared that if Abiola became president, he would recover the debt, potentially threatening the country’s financial stability.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to settle this alleged debt to bring closure to the June 12 saga, stating, “Please tell the President to pay the Abiola family the N45 billion. Once this is done, the June 12 chapter will be closed. It is very important.”

Lamido recounted that, according to General Ibrahim Babangida—who acknowledged Abiola’s victory—Abiola was owed N45 billion, and that Abiola was doubly punished: first, by being denied the presidency, and second, by being denied what was owed to him.

He also called on the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris Malagi, attending on behalf of President Tinubu, to deliver this message to the President.

In addition, former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasized that Nigeria’s journey toward full development was ongoing. He urged Lamido and other elders not to retire, highlighting their ongoing responsibility to help Nigeria reach its potential. Obasanjo praised Lamido’s diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, noting his role in restoring Nigeria’s international reputation.

Representative of President Tinubu, the Minister of Information and Orientation, commended Lamido’s autobiography as an important contribution to Nigeria’s political literature. He reiterated the government’s commitment to economic reforms, security, tax reform, and inclusive development, acknowledging the challenges but emphasizing progress.

Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s representative, Prof. Attahiru Jega, called on Nigerian leaders to document their experiences to deepen understanding of national governance and history. He expressed hope that Lamido’s book would inspire others to share their stories.

In his closing remarks, Lamido expressed gratitude to the organizers and attendees, which included prominent political figures such as former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Pius Ayim, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Several governors, including Gombe’s Muhammadu Yahaya, Jigawa’s Umar Namadi, and Plateau’s Caleb Mutfwang, as well as former governors like Gabriel Suswam, Ahmed Makarfi, Babangida Aliyu, and Liyel Imoke, also attended the event.