Sule Lamido urges Tinubu to settle ₦45bn debt owed to late MKO Abiola’s family. (Pic: Theguardian)
Abuja, Nigeria – Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has publicly urged President Bola Tinubu to Abiola family a sum of ₦45 billion allegedly owed to the former president by the Nigerian government.
The call was made during the launch of Lamido’s autobiography, Being True to Myself, held in Abuja.
Abiola Family Owed ₦45 Billion “Must Be Paid” Lamido Urged Tinubu
Abiola Family Compensation Demanded by Lamido
During his speech at the event, Lamido emphasized the importance of addressing historical injustices tied to the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which the late Chief MKO Abiola was widely acknowledged to have won.
“I would like to appeal to President Tinubu to close the chapter of June 12. In his book, General Ibrahim Babangida confirmed that Abiola won the election,” Lamido said. “When I met him, he mentioned that the Abiola family is owed ₦45 billion. That is double punishment — being denied the presidency and also unpaid dues.”
Abiola Family Debt Linked to June 12 Election Outcome
The ₦45 billion debt is believed to stem from unresolved business entitlements and state obligations to the Abiola family, arising from the aftermath of the 1993 annulled election. Lamido’s call reopens national conversation around justice for the family of MKO Abiola, who died in custody in 1998 under controversial circumstances.
Speaking to the Minister of Information, who represented President Tinubu at the event, Lamido added, “Please tell him to pay the Abiola family the ₦45 billion. Only then can we finally close the June 12 chapter.”
Abiola Family Recognition at the Center of National Reconciliation
Lamido’s demand for compensating the the past president’s family came in the presence of several political dignitaries, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The event showcased political unity across factions and generations.
Lamido expressed deep appreciation to Obasanjo, calling him his “Boss, Guide, Leader, and Inspiration,” and thanked him for writing the foreword to the book. “Baba, I sincerely and profoundly thank you. May God Almighty endow and bless you with abundant health, wisdom, and joy.”
Abiola Family Case Highlights Historical Wounds
General Abdulsalami Abubakar was also commended by Lamido for his “professional truthfulness and service to our nation.” The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, was praised for promoting religious harmony and attending the event despite a busy schedule.
Lamido also thanked former PDP Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for reviewing the book, describing him as a “MunChi comrade” and long-standing political ally. The editorial and organizing teams were acknowledged for their hard work in executing the event.
Abiola Family Justice Viewed as Step Toward Healing
Lamido concluded by stressing the symbolic value of settling the matter with the deceased president’s family.
He maintained that fulfilling the ₦45 billion debt would serve as a national gesture of reconciliation and closure on one of Nigeria’s most painful democratic episodes.
Also Read: Desmond Elliot Breaks Silence on Office Attack During EndSARS Protest
The memoir, Being True to Myself, is expected to stir political discourse, especially as it addresses unresolved tensions surrounding June 12.
