The election had two major Political parties which were the SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY (SDP) in which African business mogul, Chief MOSHOOD KASHIMAWO OLAWALE ABIOLA, better known as MKO Abiola, who was the flag bearer and the NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONVENTION (NRC) having Alhaji BASHIR TOFA, a business tycoon from the northern part of the country as the party's standard bearer. During that time, it did not matter to Nigerians what religion or region the both candidates on the ballot paper were both Muslims. Surprisingly, MKO Abiola's running mate of SDP, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, was also a Muslim just like MKO Abiola.
However, On 10 June 1993, an Abuja High Court served the National Electoral Commission (NEC) a restraining order stopping it from conducting the election, pending settlement of a law suit brought against the commission by the Association for a Better Nigeria (ABN). However, the NEC, under Decree 13, ignored the court order and went ahead to conduct the election which took place as scheduled on 12 June, 1993.
When the election was over, MKO Abiola was said to have won over eight million votes winning in 19 states while his opponent, Bashir Tofa(NRC) received over six million votes and winning in 10 states. Out of the 14 million total votes cast, Abiola won almost 60 per cent of the total votes, making him winner of the election.
In Lekan Sowande's "THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JUNE 12 1993 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN NIGERIA’S POLITICAL HISTORY" on the Voice of Nigeria, ". . .the election was annulled by the then military government led by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida when already the results had indicated an overwhelming victory for Chief MKO Abiola of the SDP. The military junta claimed they were compelled to annul the election due to some security threats. It was said that some sections of the military were against enthronement a democratic government at that time.
The military claimed that with Abiola forming a new democratic government, it would not take long before the government could be toppled through another military coup d’état. The military government said they wanted to avoid another military intervention in the country. The military government also cited a court ruling that nullified the election of Chief Abiola. There was an outcry in Nigeria over the annulment of the election and for the injustice meted out to the winner of the polls. The pressure was too much to bear by the government under General Babangida, who was forced to “step aside” for Chief Ernest Shonekan, a man from Abiola’s native land in present day Ogun State.
Chief Shonekan then took charge as the leader of a National Interim Government. Chief Shonekan’s government was short-lived as his administration was toppled in a military coup d’état on November 17, 1993. General Sani Abacha, one-time Chief of Army Staff and Secretary of Defence, took over as the new head of state.
Abiola continued with the struggle to reclaim his mandate without success. Abacha’s reign was high handed and many political personalities who wanted Abiola to be declared winner of the election were arrested and imprisoned. Some had to flee abroad for fear of being killed by the government. The presumed winner of the election was then thrown behind bars after declaring himself President of Nigeria.
On June 8, 1998, General Abacha died. He was succeeded by General Abdulsalami Abubakar as Head of State. The new government set in place modalities on how to grant Chief Abiola freedom, he mysteriously died on July 7, 1998; the day that he was to be set free from incarceration."
The 2023 General Elections has been considered one of the most disorganized elections ever conducted. However, what semblance does it have with the 1993 Elections?
Nigerians and major Political parties have cited cases of rigging in the Elections conducted four days ago. It seems the elections have made the Labour Party supporters liken the Elections to the case of MKO Abiola where the elections which clearly should have been for Peter Obi has been manipulated. Is this really true or the INEC has done its job of conducting a 2023 General Elections?
Political parties are threatening to go to the court which may invariably make the court cancel the elections just like the Abuja High Court in 1993, declared the 1993 election "null and void" allegedly because the NEC had ignored its first injunction not to conduct the elections. On the same day, the government made an announcement cancelling the elections and suspending the NEC.
There is a possibility of an interim government if this happens just like what happened when General Ibrahim Babaginda stepped aside and Chief Shonekan took charge as leader of the National Interim Government. Though it was short-lived as his administration was toppled in a military coup d’état on November 17, 1993.
Will Tinubu become the next occupant of Aso Rock or will things go for Peter Obi just like it did for MKO ABIOLA?
©John Ogah'23
John Ogah is a published author. He is also a communicator and writing coach who has helped individuals in the skill of writing, helping them become proficient and professional writers. He is the Editor of MacNews.
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