NADECO Rejects Abdulsalami’s Claims on Abiola, Military Rule

The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) has strongly rejected recent comments attributed to former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, regarding the events surrounding the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election and the subsequent years of military rule in Nigeria.

The pro-democracy group accused the former military leader of attempting to rewrite history, insisting that the sacrifices made by democracy activists and the circumstances surrounding the struggle to restore civilian rule must not be distorted.

The disagreement follows remarks by Abdulsalami concerning the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and the military era that followed the annulment of the June 12 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.

In a statement, NADECO maintained that Chief Abiola was the legitimate winner of the June 12 election and argued that the military establishment played a central role in frustrating the democratic mandate freely given to him by Nigerians.

The coalition said attempts to downplay the role of pro-democracy activists or reframe the historical record would undermine the sacrifices of those who fought for the return of democratic governance.

According to the group, many Nigerians suffered persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death during the struggle against military dictatorship, making it important to preserve an accurate account of the country’s democratic journey.

The exchange has reignited public discussions about the legacy of military rule and the events that followed the annulment of the June 12 election.

The election, won by Abiola, was annulled by the military government, triggering widespread protests and political unrest across the country. The crisis eventually contributed to years of political instability before Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.

NADECO was among the leading organizations that spearheaded domestic and international campaigns against military rule, advocating for the validation of the June 12 mandate and the restoration of democracy.

The coalition stressed that historical events surrounding June 12 should be documented truthfully and taught accurately to future generations.

Political observers say the renewed debate highlights the continued relevance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic history and the enduring impact of the struggle that ultimately paved the way for democratic governance.

As discussions continue, many Nigerians have called for greater efforts to preserve historical records and ensure that the lessons of the country’s democratic struggle are not forgotten.