Nigerian Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti has revealed insights into the dynamics between former Head of State Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) and MKO Abiola, shedding light on the factors that led to the annulment of the 1993 presidential election. Kuti asserted that a financial dispute between Babangida and Abiola played a significant role in the decision to invalidate the election results.
Abiola, who ran for president in 1993 under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was widely viewed as the frontrunner in the election. Despite his apparent success, IBB opted to annul the results, which sparked widespread outrage and unrest in the country. Following the annulment, Abiola faced arrest and imprisonment, further complicating the political landscape of Nigeria at the time. Kuti’s remarks highlight the complex interplay of power, finance, and politics in Nigeria’s history.
During an Instagram Live session, Kuti remarked, “When Yomi Johnson killed Samuel Doe, he ran to Nigeria. Doe was supported to come to Nigeria then
“There were rumors back then that Samuel Doe’s money caused a fight between IBB and Abiola, this made the former Head of State refuse to give him the presidency.”
Additionally, Seun Kuti revealed that journalist Dele Giwa was murdered due to his intentions to expose a prominent Nigerian drug trafficker.
He added: “It was alleged that Dele Giwa was about to expose a big man in Nigeria for selling drugs. The best hard drugs in this Lagos are sold in Island, children of the rich are selling it.
“What killed Dele Giwa then? How many musicians, actors have been caught over their connection to hard drugs before the advent of Yahoo? Many people in this country are compromised in this drug dealing business.”