Abuja, Nigeria – June 14, 2025
The family of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, has formally demanded clarification and breakdown of a reported ₦45 billion debt allegedly owed to it by the Federal Government.
Speaking through a family representative, the Abiola family expressed surprise at recent reports suggesting that the government might be indebted to the family in such a substantial amount. The representative called on relevant authorities to provide full disclosure of the nature, origin, and justification of the claimed debt.
“We are aware of past discussions and compensations related to the unjust annulment of the June 12 mandate and the wrongful detention of Chief Abiola, but we are not in possession of any detailed documentation supporting this alleged ₦45 billion debt,” the family said.
The development comes amid renewed national reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey, with President Bola Tinubu recently reaffirming his administration’s commitment to honouring the memory of Chief Abiola, whom he declared GCFR in 2018.
The family is urging the Federal Government to initiate an open dialogue and provide transparency on the matter to avoid public misinformation and preserve the integrity of Abiola’s legacy.
Federal authorities are yet to issue an official response as of the time of filing this report.
