Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has dismissed long-standing allegations that Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola was poisoned, insisting that the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election collapsed during a meeting with United States envoys.
Speaking on the circumstances surrounding Abiola’s death, Abdulsalami stated that there was no evidence to support claims that the late politician was assassinated through poisoning.
According to him, Abiola was meeting with a delegation of American diplomats when he suddenly became ill and collapsed.
The former military leader noted that conspiracy theories surrounding Abiola’s death have persisted for years, but maintained that the facts known to those present at the time did not suggest foul play.
MKO Abiola died on July 7, 1998, while in detention after declaring himself president following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest presidential poll.
His death remains one of the most debated events in Nigeria’s political history and continues to evoke strong emotions among Nigerians who view him as a symbol of the country’s democratic struggle.
Abdulsalami’s remarks have reignited discussions over the circumstances of Abiola’s passing and the enduring significance of the June 12 mandate in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
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