Lamido Links June 12 Annulment to N45bn Debt, Urges Tinubu to Compensate Abiola’s Family to Close Historical Chapter
Former Governor of Jigawa State and one-time National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has stirred a fresh round of national discourse with a provocative revelation connecting the historic annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election to an unresolved financial dispute between the late business magnate and presumed winner of the election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, and the Nigerian military government of the 1970s.
Lamido, a seasoned political actor and statesman, made the startling assertion during the public unveiling of his political autobiography, Being True to Myself, in Abuja on Tuesday. The event drew a cross-section of Nigeria’s political elite, including former heads of state, governors, ministers, and influential policymakers. Speaking with a mix of reflection and urgency, Lamido posited that the decision by the military regime to annul the June 12 election—a decision that remains one of Nigeria’s most contentious political acts—was motivated by economic self-preservation rather than purely political or ideological reasons.
The Alleged Debt and a Contested Election
According to Lamido, the roots of the annulment can be traced back to a business transaction involving Abiola’s telecommunications firm, International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT), which allegedly executed contracts worth N45 billion for Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications during the administration of General Murtala Mohammed. Following the sudden assassination of Murtala in 1976, Lamido said, Abiola’s attempts to recover the payment from subsequent military administrations met with stiff resistance.
“When General Murtala Muhammed died, Abiola came forward with a claim that he was owed around N45 billion for contracts executed by his company, ITT. The military high command, which had assumed power after Murtala’s assassination, refused to honor the debt,” Lamido explained.
Faced with institutional resistance, Abiola allegedly embarked on a lobbying campaign, engaging Northern emirs and traditional rulers to intercede on his behalf with the military government. Despite the emirs’ appeals, Lamido claims that the military establishment stood its ground, fearing that repaying the amount would pose a serious fiscal threat to the country’s economy.
“When the June 12 elections came and Abiola emerged as the clear winner, the military became fearful that swearing him in as President would enable him to recover the money through executive authority,” Lamido continued. “They feared the country would become bankrupt under his administration if he insisted on collecting the money owed to him.”
A Double Injustice: Denial of Mandate and Debt
Lamido’s comments mark a significant shift in the public understanding of the events surrounding June 12, often viewed solely through the lens of ethno-political rivalry and military authoritarianism. By framing it within the context of an economic dispute, Lamido introduces a new layer of complexity that could reshape historical narratives.
“Abiola was doubly punished: first, denied the mandate that Nigerians freely gave him; second, denied the funds legitimately owed to him,” Lamido stated, adding that this unresolved matter continues to cast a long shadow over Nigeria’s political evolution and moral conscience.
He thus issued a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to finally bring closure to this longstanding issue. “I want to appeal to President Tinubu to close the June 12 chapter with dignity and justice by settling the N45 billion owed to the Abiola family. This will heal historical wounds and move the country forward.”
Lamido directed his plea through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris Malagi, who attended the book launch on behalf of President Tinubu.
“Please tell the President to pay the Abiola family. Once this is done, the June 12 chapter can be closed in good conscience,” Lamido emphasized.
A Gathering of Political Titans
The public presentation of Being True to Myself served as more than a literary event—it became a convergence of Nigeria’s top political minds and power brokers, many of whom had played key roles during the nation’s tumultuous transition from military to civilian rule.
Among the prominent figures present were former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan (represented), former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, as well as 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. Governors from several states, both incumbent and former, were also in attendance, including Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Liyel Imoke (Cross River). Also in the crowd were former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Pius Ayim, and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
This diverse gathering not only signaled the high regard in which Lamido is held but also reflected the enduring resonance of the June 12 narrative in Nigeria’s national consciousness.
Obasanjo: “The Job Is Not Done Yet”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 under the Fourth Republic, used the opportunity to deliver a sobering reminder that the project of national development remains incomplete. Addressing Lamido directly, Obasanjo said, “You are now a statesman, but the Nigeria we are working for is still not there. Our job is not finished until we are finished.”
Obasanjo praised Lamido’s service as Foreign Affairs Minister during his administration, describing him as a capable and loyal official who helped restore Nigeria’s standing in the international community after years of military dictatorship had left the country diplomatically isolated.
“I did not originally nominate him,” Obasanjo recalled. “My initial choice declined the appointment, but Lamido stepped in and proved to be an effective diplomat. His performance made a lasting impression.”
Obasanjo’s remarks underscored the importance of continued civic engagement among veteran politicians, warning against complacency in the face of ongoing national challenges.
Tinubu Administration: Reform with Resolve
President Tinubu, though absent, had his presence felt through a prepared speech delivered by the Minister of Information. The President lauded Lamido’s book as a “significant contribution to Nigeria’s political literature” and described the former governor as a principled opposition figure whose consistency had enriched democratic discourse.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to national development, acknowledging the economic hardships caused by recent reforms but stressing their long-term benefits.
“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,” the Minister stated.
He pointed to positive signs in macroeconomic indicators as evidence that the reforms—ranging from fuel subsidy removal to tax policy adjustments—were beginning to yield dividends. The government, he said, remains focused on national security, tax reform, and inclusive growth as pillars of its developmental agenda.
Abdulsalami, Jega Call for More Memoirs
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who led the transitional government that handed over power to a civilian administration in 1999, was also scheduled to chair the occasion but was represented by former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega.
In his speech, Jega emphasized the importance of political actors documenting their experiences for future generations.
“It is my hope that Lamido’s Being True to Myself will inspire other actors and activists to write their own books,” Jega said. “We all have a role to play in deepening our democracy and building a better Nigeria.”
Jega noted that historical documentation is not only a tool of accountability but also a reservoir of wisdom that can guide future leaders.
Closing Reflections: Memory, Justice, and National Healing
As the event concluded, Lamido expressed his gratitude to the dedicated organizing committee and the esteemed dignitaries present. However, his closing remarks powerfully circled back to the day’s core message: the enduring significance of June 12 and the profound implications of delayed justice.
Lamido emphasized, “History transcends mere occurrences; it’s defined by our reactions. By confronting this persistent injustice concerning Abiola’s family, Nigeria possesses a vital chance to heal a deep wound and collectively progress.” This acknowledgment underscores the importance of historical reconciliation for national healing and future advancement. Recognizing and addressing past grievances is crucial for building a stronger, more unified Nigeria.
The atmosphere in the room reflected the weight of Lamido’s appeal. With key figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum present, his call for restitution transcended personal concerns and became a national issue. The gathered audience, composed of prominent political actors, clearly recognized the significance of the moment, signaling that the demand for justice was no longer an individual matter but a collective, national responsibility.
As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, the legacy of June 12 lingers as a poignant symbol of unresolved injustice and the nation’s deep yearning for truth and reconciliation. More than three decades after the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by the late Chief MKO Abiola, the issues surrounding that historic moment still stir national reflection. Sule Lamido’s recent call for President Bola Tinubu to pay the alleged N45 billion debt owed to Abiola by the military regime of the late General Murtala Mohammed has reignited debate over Nigeria’s moral responsibilities. Lamido argues that the annulment of the election was driven not just by political fear but by financial interests, making restitution a necessary act of justice.