President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu headlined the official premiere of MKO, a documentary by US-based filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, hosted at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts as part of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary commemorations.
The film chronicles the life, enduring impact, and political trials of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. It revisits the watershed June 12, 1993 presidential election, its abrupt annulment by the military regime, and the relentless pro-democracy campaign mounted by citizens and activists to restore constitutional governance.
The high-profile screening drew notable national figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Kwara State Governor and Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau). Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, cabinet ministers Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and Engr. Joseph Utsev, former Ogun State Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, and various federal lawmakers were also in attendance.
Welcoming the guests, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa highlighted the film’s portrayal of key moments: the widely praised June 12 election, Abiola’s 1994 declaration of his mandate, his subsequent incarceration, and his death in detention in 1998. She stressed that preserving these critical accounts ensures younger generations grasp the immense sacrifices behind Nigeria’s civil liberties and remain committed to protecting democratic institutions.
Leading a moment of silence for those who perished during the struggle, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, saluted the activists, underground publishers, trade unionists—notably NUPENG members—students, lawyers, and journalists such as James Bagauda Kaltho who withstood arrests, clampdowns, and exile. He referenced prominent figures including Chief Anthony Enahoro, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, and Pa Alfred Rewane, affirming that their courage broke the grip of autocracy.
Onanuga remarked that the documentary serves as both a tribute to Abiola and an enduring reminder of ordinary citizens who placed their lives on the line for freedom. He noted that over a quarter-century of unbroken democratic rule since 1999, alongside the formal acknowledgment of Abiola as the true winner of the 1993 poll, validates their struggle. He charged Nigerians with the collective responsibility of ensuring that the popular will is never overturned again.
The film’s director, Ose Oyamendan, commended President Tinubu for his long-standing commitment to democratic ideals and shared memories of first interviewing him as a senator in 1992. Oyamendan expressed gratitude to all partners who supported the project, which aims to provide an evocative, educational resource on Nigeria’s journey toward democracy for audiences at home and abroad.