Sule Lamido Links June 12 Election Annulment to N45bn Debt, Urges Tinubu to Compensate Abiola Family

In a revelation that adds a new dimension to Nigeria’s political history, former Governor of Jigawa State  (SDP), Sule Lamido, has claimed that the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election was tied to a massive N45 billion debt allegedly owed to the late Chief MKO Abiola by the military government of General Murtala Mohammed.

Lamido made this assertion in Abuja on Tuesday during the public presentation of his autobiography, titled “Being True to Myself.” Speaking to a high-powered audience of political leaders, former presidents, and serving governors, Lamido alleged that the military elite, fearful of Abiola reclaiming the money if he assumed power, annulled the election he widely won, thus denying him both the presidency and financial justice.

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Debt, Denial, and the June 12 Puzzle

Lamido recounted that the debt stemmed from contracts executed by International Telephone and Telecommunication (ITT)—a company linked to Abiola—for Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications. He said the debt claim was rejected by military authorities after Murtala Mohammed’s death in 1976.

“When General Murtala died, Abiola came in with a claim that he was owed, I think, about N45 billion. The military high command at that time said no,” Lamido stated.

He added that Abiola’s subsequent outreach to influential traditional rulers to lobby for the payment failed to sway the military’s stance. According to Lamido, the turning point came when Abiola emerged victorious in the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The military, fearing financial repercussions, opted to annul the election instead of swearing him in.

“They said they cancelled the June 12 elections because if they made him president, he would take his money and the country would become bankrupt,” Lamido alleged.

Appeal to Tinubu: Pay the Debt, Close the Chapter

In an emotional call for reconciliation and justice, Lamido urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pay the alleged debt to the Abiola family, describing it as a necessary step to finally “close the chapter” on the June 12 saga.

“Before I end my remarks, I want to appeal to President Tinubu to finally close the chapter of June 12. General Ibrahim Babangida acknowledged that Abiola won the election and confirmed that he is owed N45 billion. He was doubly punished—first, denied the presidency; second, denied what was owed to him,” he said.

Lamido’s message was directed at the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris Malagi, who attended the book launch as President Tinubu’s representative. “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,” Lamido added.

Obasanjo and Tinubu’s Representatives Weigh In

Also speaking at the event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo praised Lamido for his commitment to public service. He described the former Foreign Affairs Minister as a dedicated patriot who served diligently during his administration.

“You 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, urging Lamido and other senior political figures to remain engaged in the country’s development.

President Tinubu, in his message delivered by Minister Malagi, praised Lamido’s book as a valuable addition to Nigeria’s political literature. He acknowledged Lamido as a “principled opposition figure” and emphasized his administration’s openness to constructive criticism.

“We are not where we want to be, 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,” Malagi said. He highlighted the government’s ongoing reforms in economic policy, tax modernization, and national security.

Jega, Abubakar, and Other Leaders Laud Lamido

Prof. Attahiru Jega, representing former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, served as chairman of the occasion. He emphasized the importance of public office holders documenting their experiences to preserve national 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.

The event was attended by a host of influential political figures, including former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Pius Ayim, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Also present was 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Serving governors in attendance included Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), along with former governors Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Liyel Imoke (Cross River).

Lamido Expresses Gratitude, Calls for Historical Reflection

In his vote of thanks, Lamido expressed deep appreciation to the organizing committee, guests, and attendees. He reiterated the need for Nigeria to confront its political past honestly in order to shape a better future.

Lamido’s revelation, while controversial, has reignited national conversation around the June 12 annulment, MKO Abiola’s legacy, and the military’s role in truncating Nigeria’s democratic journey. Whether the federal government will act on Lamido’s request to compensate the Abiola family remains to be seen—but his call has added urgency to long-standing questions of historical justice and national closure.