Abdulmumuni Abiola, son of Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, has opened up about his feelings on former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida’s acknowledgment that his father won the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Abdulmumuni, in a chat with Punch, noted that emotions are still raw as he recalls the events surrounding the annulled election.

“I remember after the election was annulled, my father struggled to get his mandate, struggled to get justice for what he assumed was the wrongful annulment of that election,” he said.

According to him, his father’s subsequent arrest and eventual death, as well as the loss of his mother, who fought for his father’s release, have left an indelible mark on his life.

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Despite the trauma, he noted that his father taught him the importance of forgiveness.

He said, “My father was one to always turn the other cheek. My religion talks about forgiveness, not necessarily for the perpetrator’s sake, but for your sake, so you can actually move on.”

He acknowledged that the events of June 12, 1993, were traumatic not only for the Abiola family but also for the Nigerian people.

“The future was uncertain for a bunch of Nigerians. We lost a lot of great Nigerian people who felt that Nigeria was not redeemable, and they left the country. There was a lot of brain drain at that period as well. I know that there is a lot of trauma that has come out. I do not think that there will be anything that can be said or done to alleviate that stress.

“My father had a vision and a passion for this country, and I think it is important that their sacrifice is not in vain,” Abdulmumuni said.