'MKO's death paved way for our democracy,' Atiku says

dimeji akinloye

June 12, 2016 1:20 PM

Afenifere had called on President Muhammadu Buhari to release the official results of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential election.

M.K.O Abiola

As Nigerians commemorate the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential elections, which was won by the late Bashorun MKO Abiola, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has described that June 12 as a "a reminder of what is possible."

In statement issued on Sunday, June 12, 2016, Atiku said Nigeria was united in 1993 for Abiola and democracy.

"On ‪#‎June12‬, 1993, Nigeria was united in one cause, to defeat tyranny through democracy. We all believed. After 23 years, #June12 still remains a shining light, a reminder of what is possible - a united Nigeria", he said.

The integrity of the #June12 electoral process also shows that we Nigerians can achieve great things, if we are united. For many of us who worked with Chief M.K.O. Abiola, his death was painful, but it paved the way for enduring democracy. Our democracy today, is MKO Abiola's legacy.

"But we must grow beyond just democracy - our country must work. We must reform our country - restructure our federation for peace, growth and prosperity. We must also fix our political system.

"We must embrace reforms, and base our democracy on equity and good governance, which helps every Nigerian feel safe and secure. #June12 was a victory for Nigeria. It was because we knew we could be better. We can actually achieve that dream if we all work together," the statement said.

The Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) had on Saturday, June 11, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to release the official results of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential election.

READ: M.K.O Abiola, June 12, the change Nigeria hoped for

Afenifere said the President owed Nigerians the duty of declassifying the result, particularly now that 23 years had elapsed and the Official Secret Act could no longer be binding on the document.

dimeji akinloye