Former National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party and ex-Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has linked the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late MKO Abiola to the N45bn contract debt allegedly owed Abiola by the military government of the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed.
According to Lamido, the military refused to pay Abiola the debt after Gen. Mohammed’s died and when Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election, they decided to annul it for fear that if sworn in as President, Abiola would recover the N45bn debt, a situation which might bankrupt the country at the time.
Lamido made the assertion on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of his autobiography titled ‘Being True to Myself’.
He, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu to pay Abiola’s family the alleged N45bn debt in order to bring closure to the June 12 saga.
Lamido said, “When (General) Murtala (Muhammed) died, Abiola came in with a claim that he was owed, I think, about N45bn for contracts executed by International Telephone and Telecommunication for the Ministry of Communications. The military high command at that time said no. He went round the Emirs in the North to lobby and the Emirs asked that they (military) should please pay the money.
“They (military) said they cancelled the June 12 elections because if they made him President, he would take his money and the country would become bankrupt. Those who were close to Abacha should know this, because Abacha was then one of the big shots; they were all aware.
“Before I end my remarks, I want to appeal to President Tinubu to finally close the chapter of June 12.
“In his book, General Ibrahim Babangida acknowledged that Abiola won the election. When I visited him, he also confirmed that Abiola is owed N45bn. He was doubly punished: first, denied the presidency; second, denied what is owed to him.”
Lamido urged the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris Malagi—who attended the event on behalf of President Tinubu—to convey the message to the President.
“Please tell the President to pay the Abiola family the N45bn. Once this is done, the June 12 chapter will be closed. It is very important,” he stressed.
Also speaking at the event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasised that the work they started for Nigeria was not yet finished.
He called on Lamido and others not to retire, stating that it remained their responsibility to ensure Nigeria reaches its full potential.
“You (Lamido) are now a statesman. But Nigeria that we are working for, we haven’t got there. Our job is not finished until we are finished,” Obasanjo said.
Obasanjo praised Lamido’s service during his tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister, describing him as an effective diplomat who helped restore Nigeria’s international standing after years of isolation.
He recalled appointing Lamido after his original nominee declined and praised his loyalty, dedication, and performance.
In his remarks, President Tinubu—represented by the Minister of Information and Orientation—commended Lamido’s autobiography as an important contribution to Nigeria’s political literature.
He described Lamido as a principled opposition figure and reiterated the administration’s openness to constructive criticism.
The president’s representative highlighted the government’s ongoing economic reforms, acknowledging their difficulty but asserting that they are beginning to yield positive macroeconomic results.
He said the administration remains committed to national security, tax reform, and inclusive development.
“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,” he said.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who served as chairman of the occasion, was represented by former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.
He encouraged more Nigerian leaders to document their experiences and contribute to a broader understanding of the country’s governance challenges and history.
“It is my hope that ‘Being True to Myself’ will inspire other actors and activists to write their own books. We all have a role to play in building a better Nigeria,” Jega said.
In his vote of thanks, Lamido expressed gratitude to the organising committee and attendees.
The event drew a large crowd of prominent political figures.
Among those present were 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.
Also in attendance were the Governors of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya; Jigawa State, Umar Namadi; and Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, alongside several former governors including Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Liyel Imoke (Cross River).
