MKO: The Story of An Unlikely Hero of Democracy
Confession: I despised Gen Sani Abacha with the same intensity Obidients hate President Bola Tinubu. I thought I had overcome the ill-feeling after 28 years. Alas, I watched ‘MKO’ —
The documentary "MKO" on Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola brought back painful memories for the reporter of military rule and Abacha's reign. Abiola's transformation from a government insider to a democratic activist was evident. While Abiola initially sought assurances from power players for his presidential bid, he later became defiant and took on the establishment.
After winning the 1993 election, Abiola declared himself president and was arrested for treason the following year. He was taken to court, denied bail, and imprisoned in harsh conditions. Despite his wealth and comfort, Abiola refused to accept the annulment of the June 12 election and fought for democracy until his suspicious death in 1998.
Abiola's courage and refusal to abandon his mandate may have prevented military rule from dominating Nigeria's politics between 1960 and 1999. His sacrifice helped pave the way for power rotation and the Yoruba's pathway to power.
Written by urgent.news from This Day's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
