How MKO Abiola Snubbed Me and Picked Kingibe As Running Mate For June 12—Atiku
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has opened up on how he was overlooked by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola as his running mate in the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election. Atiku revealed that Abiola, despite earlier considerations, eventually chose Babagana Kingibe under intense political pressure.
The SDP Presidential Primaries and Atiku’s Withdrawal
Atiku Abubakar was one of the major contenders in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries, alongside MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe. The primaries, held in Jos, Plateau State, saw Abiola leading with 3,617 votes, followed by Kingibe with 3,255 votes, while Atiku secured 2,066 votes.
Sensing that Kingibe had a strong chance of winning, Atiku consulted with his political mentor, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. Yar’Adua immediately traveled to Jos and convened a meeting with Atiku and Abiola at Alhaji Yahaya Kwande’s residence. During the meeting, Yar’Adua urged Atiku to step down for Abiola, a request Atiku honored without hesitation. In return, it was believed that Abiola would select Atiku as his vice-presidential candidate.
The Pressure to Choose Kingibe
Despite the understanding reached between Abiola and Atiku’s camp, the party’s governors and other influential stakeholders pressured Abiola to pick Babagana Kingibe instead. This move led to a controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket, which was unprecedented at the time.
Atiku recounted how he felt disappointed by the decision, but he remained committed to the party’s unity and democratic process. He continued to support Abiola’s campaign despite being sidelined.
The Aftermath of the June 12 Election
The June 12, 1993, election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election, was won by Abiola. However, the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the election results, plunging the country into political turmoil. This led to years of struggle for the actualization of Abiola’s mandate, which eventually resulted in his arrest and death in detention in 1998.
Atiku, on the other hand, went on to build a strong political career, becoming Nigeria’s vice president in 1999 under President Olusegun Obasanjo. His political influence has remained strong, and he has contested for the presidency multiple times.
Lessons from Atiku’s Experience
Atiku’s story highlights the unpredictable nature of politics, where alliances shift, and decisions are often made under immense pressure. It also shows the importance of resilience and adaptability in the political landscape.
Despite being snubbed in 1993, Atiku remained an active player in Nigerian politics, demonstrating that setbacks can be stepping stones to greater achievements.
Conclusion
The June 12 election remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history, and Atiku’s experience is one of the many untold stories surrounding that period. His revelations provide insight into the internal power struggles within the SDP and the political maneuvering that shaped Nigeria’s democracy.
While Abiola did not live to see democracy fully restored, his legacy remains, and figures like Atiku continue to shape the nation’s political future.
