*The Federal Government says the screening of national premiere of a documentary film chronicling the life, political struggle and enduring legacy of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, and the historic June 12 pro-democracy struggle, in Lagos, was part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, his wife and First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria, attended the national premiere of MKO, a documentary film by US-based filmmaker Ose Oyamendan.
ConsumerConnect reports the Federal Government said the screening of the documentary at the Wole a Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts was part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, in 2026.
The film chronicles the life, political struggle and enduring legacy of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, and the historic June 12 pro-democracy struggle.
The work also recounts the events surrounding the annulment of the June 12, 1993, Presidential Election, widely regarded as a watershed in Nigeria’s democratic history.
It equally highlights the subsequent campaigns by Nigerians, and pro-democracy activists to restore democratic governance in the West African country in the era.
The government further noted the gathering attracted senior government officials and other dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives (Dr.) Tajudeen Abbas; Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
Other dignitaries at the event include Governor of Ogun State (Prince) Dapo Abiodun; Governor of Plateau State Caleb Mutfwang; and Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (ITI), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev; members of the National Assembly (NASS); former Governor of Ogun State Chief Olusegun Osoba; and other distinguished personalities.
Hannatu Musa Musawa, Honourable Minister for Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, welcomed President Tinuhu, and other guests to the premiere in Lagos.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, paid tribute to several Nigerians who lost their lives or suffered persecution, detention, exile, and other forms of repression during the struggle for the restoration of democracy at the time.
After leading the gathering in observing a minute’s silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the democratic struggle, Onanuga also emphasised the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists must never be forgotten.
The Presidential aide noted that the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today were secured through the courage of several individuals who stood firm against authoritarian rule in Nigeria.
Onanuga stated: “We remember Chief Anthony Enahoro, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Senator Abraham Adesanya, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Frank Kokori, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chima Ubani, Chief Bola Ige, Senator Cornelius Adebayo, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and all the leaders and members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the Campaign for Democracy (CD), the Labour movement and other pro-democracy organisations..
“We honour journalist James Bagauda Kaltho, other journalists, and media organisations that defied clampdowns, arrests, kidnapping, and seizures of publications to keep the June 12 struggle alive.”
He further said: “We honour the printers who defied the security clampdown to print banned publications.
“We remember and salute the lawyers, who defended detainees, the students, who staged countless protests on the streets and on their campuses, the workers, especially members of NUPENG, who withdrew their labour, the academics, who gave the struggle a voice, and the Nigerians in the Diaspora, who mobilised international support for the sanctity of our democracy.”
The Special Adviser to the President noted: “We remember those who were imprisoned without trial, those imprisoned for being accessories to a coup d’etat, those driven into exile, those who lost their livelihoods, and those whose homes and businesses were attacked because they refused to surrender their democratic convictions.”
Key objectives of MKO documentary film
Highlighting the core objectives of the national premiere, the Nigerian Presidency said the documentary would serve not only as a tribute to Chief Abiola but also as a reminder of the collective sacrifices made by Nigerians who demanded respect for the people’s democratic choice.
He explained: “We remember the countless unnamed Nigerians who filled the streets, endured hardship and stood firm in defence of the mandate freely given June 12, 1993.
“Many paid the supreme price. Many carried wounds that history may never fully record.
“Their sacrifice was not in vain, as we have had 27 years of unbroken democracy since 1999, and Chief MKO Abiola, the symbol of the struggle, has been officially acknowledged as the winner of the election, shedding the toga of ‘assumed, presumed’ winner.”
Onanuga as well commended the producers of the MKO documentary for documenting an important chapter in Nigeria’s political history, and making it accessible to a new generation.
Onanuga stated: “The democracy we enjoy today was built upon the courage and sacrifices of the people we have identified.
“We owe them more than remembrance. We owe them a duty to ensure that no authority ever again overturns the freely expressed will of Nigerians.”
The Presidential aide said Tinubu’s attendance at the premiere underscored the importance his administration attaches to preserving Nigeria’s democratic history, and honouring the men and women whose courage helped to pave the way for the country’s current democratic system.
Minister Musawa said MKO chronicles the events leading to the 12 June, 1993, Presidential Election, its annulment by the Military authorities, Chief Abiola’s arrest in 1994 after he declared his mandate, and his death in detention in 1998.
He noted: “This documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, the men and women who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993, and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today.”
Musawa said it was imperative to document the untold stories about the events surrounding the June 12, 1993, Presidential Election, adjudged one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest elections.
The Minister noted this is important, so that many people would know that the democracy we enjoy today has come at a precious price.
She also reiterated the need for concerted effort by citizens to jealously guard Nigeria’s democracy, and ensure that the will of the people is never again truncated.
Speaking at the event also, the documentary producer, Oyamendan, lauded President Tinubu for his tenacity, courage, and conviction on the principles of democracy, as well as the fatherly support he has given him over the years.
He thanked various personalities who supported the realisation of the project.
Reflecting on his relationship with the President, Oyamendan recalled interviewing him as a senator in 1992.
The filmmaker also appreciated the individuals and organisations that supported production of the documentary.
MKO is expected to help preserve Nigeria’s political history and offer audiences, particularly younger Nigerians, an opportunity to reflect on the events, personalities, and sacrifices that shaped the country’s democratic journey.