The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Think Yoruba First (TYF), has issued a strong warning to former Governor Sule Lamido, urging him to refrain from misrepresenting the history of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, particularly events surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.
In a statement sent to PM News, TYF’s Public Relations Officer, Montero Oluwole, condemned recent comments by Lamido which he said unfairly malign the family of the late MKO Abiola and attempt to rewrite the sacrifices made by key figures in the democracy movement.
Lamido had also claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was among those who supported the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Reacting to the Lamido’s comments, Oluwole said: “This is a familiar pattern from former Governor Sule Lamido—an attempt to play politics when he is clearly grasping at straws.”
Citing archival reports from TELL and The News magazines in the 1990s, Oluwole noted that both publications had pointed accusatory fingers at Lamido and the late Chief Tony Anenih for their roles during the military era.
He further played down the comments of Lamido by highlighting the contributions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as one of the true heroes of the June 12 struggle.
“Tinubu’s commitment to the June 12 cause was unwavering. He played a frontline role in MKO Abiola’s presidential campaign, especially in Lagos West, where he successfully delivered his constituency. Following the annulment of the election, unlike Lamido, Tinubu did not go into hiding—not for a single day,” he said.
Oluwole further highlighted Tinubu’s active involvement in funding and supporting pro-democracy protests alongside renowned activists such as Dr. Fredric Fasehun, Femi Falana, and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.
He recounted how Tinubu’s home was attacked and firebombed the same night by forces loyal to the Abacha regime—ironically the same regime Lamido claimed Tinubu was aligned with.
“Despite the personal risk, Tinubu remained undeterred. Eventually, he secured travel documents and went into exile in the West, aided by an ally with connections to both him and MKO Abiola, who was serving in the FBI at the time,” Oluwole added.
The TYF spokesperson concluded with a stern warning: “We will no longer remain silent while individuals who betrayed the cause and undermined MKO Abiola’s mandate attempt to discredit the sacrifices of true patriots—those who put their lives, families, careers, and resources on the line in the fight for democracy.”
The June 12 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. The day has since become a symbol of democratic resistance, and its legacy remains fiercely protected by those who fought for its recognition.
