FG Cancelled June 12 to Avoid Paying Abiola N45bn – Lamido Claims at Book Launch
By Abdulrahman Zakariyau | May 14, 2025
Former Jigawa State Governor and ex-SDP National Secretary, Sule Lamido, has linked the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election to an alleged N45 billion debt the military regime owed the presumed winner, MKO Abiola.
Speaking during the launch of his autobiography, “Being True to Myself”, held in Abuja on Tuesday, Lamido asserted that the military government voided the election to prevent Abiola—who reportedly won—from reclaiming the massive debt. The debt stemmed from contracts executed by Abiola’s company, International Telephone and Telecommunication, for the Ministry of Communications during Gen. Murtala Mohammed’s regime.
“They said if Abiola became President, he would take his N45bn, and the country would go bankrupt,” Lamido said.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to settle the debt as a final act of reconciliation regarding the June 12 issue, adding that former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida confirmed both Abiola’s election victory and the owed sum.
Obasanjo, Others Weigh In
Also speaking at the event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo commended Lamido’s service to Nigeria and insisted the work of national development remains incomplete.
“Our job is not finished until we are finished,” Obasanjo said, urging Lamido not to retire from public service.
Tinubu, represented by Minister of Information Muhammad Idris Malagi, described the autobiography as a valuable addition to Nigeria’s political history. He praised Lamido for his principled opposition and reaffirmed the administration’s openness to constructive criticism.
Call for National Reflection
Lamido’s remarks reignited conversations surrounding June 12, a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic history. He argued that Abiola suffered “double punishment” — being denied both the presidency and payment for services rendered.
“Once the N45bn is paid, the June 12 chapter can finally be closed,” he insisted.
Prof. Attahiru Jega, who represented General Abdulsalami Abubakar, chaired the event and urged more public figures to document their experiences.
High-Profile Attendance
The book launch attracted several political heavyweights including:
- Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo (former Vice Presidents)
- Peter Obi (2023 LP Presidential Candidate)
- Ken Nnamani and Pius Anyim (ex-Senate Presidents)
- Rotimi Amaechi (former Rivers State Governor)
- Governors Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau)
- Former Governors Gabriel Suswam, Ahmed Makarfi, Babangida Aliyu, and Liyel Imoke.
