Some June 12 Movement groups and activists have declared support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, calling on Nigerians to back the president for another term.

The groups also urged the Federal Government to compensate the family of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and other victims of the June 12 struggle.

Speaking at a programme to commemorate 2026 Democracy Day at the late Abiola residence  in Ikeja, President of June 12 Renewed Hope Group, Aminat Irawo, popularly known as Mama June 12, said the commemoration was dedicated to endorsing Mr Tinubu’s second-term.

Ms Irawo described Mr Tinubu as one of the key figures who stood behind the late Abiola during the struggle to actualise the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate.

“When you see Abiola then, you will see President Bola Tinubu behind him during that period. We want to declare our support for re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. We love him.

“There is no house without a foundation. The President is laying the foundation for a greater Nigeria and we want him to come back to continue the good works and reforms,” she said.

She also declared support for the governorship ambition of Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and other All Progressives Congress’ candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Ms Irawo, however, appealed to Mr Tinubu to compensate the family of the late Abiola and children of the late Kudirat Abiola for the sacrifices made during the democratic struggle.

“We are pleading with President Tinubu, as a comrade in the struggle and a father, to look for a way to compensate this family before the end of this first tenure. MKO Abiola’s family and his children need compensation from the Federal Government. We pray that the spirit of MKO Abiola forgive Nigeria for the injustice done to him,” she added after laying a wreath at Abiola’s tomb.

A former student union activist during the June 12 struggle, Ayodele Adewale, called for restitution to the late Abiola’s family and recognition for other democracy activists.

Mr Adewale, a former Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, said, “@What we are clamouring for now is that the family of MKO Abiola be given their due rights.

“His businesses were deliberately collapsed by the Nigerian state under the military administration and many of his workers were thrown into hardship.

“It is our hope that during the administration of President Bola Tinubu, a commission should be set up to trace his assets and ensure adequate reparations.”

Mr Adewale, an APC Chieftain, also urged governments at all levels to honour victims and survivors of the June 12 struggle and safeguard democratic values.

“For everyone benefitting from the pains and struggles of June 12 today, you owe Nigerians the duty of providing good governance. That is the only thing that can heal the pains of the past. We must not abuse democracy.

“We must remember what it took Nigerians to enthrone democracy and we must protect it,” he said.

Also speaking, a former aide to the late Abiola, Dr Stephen Fasakin, said the late politician deserved enduring recognition for his contributions to democracy.

He urged the Federal Government to further immortalise the late Abiola and implement policies to ease economic hardship in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the family, a cousin of the late politician, Mumuni Kazeem Abiola, said Mr Tinubu had done enough to merit re-election.

He said, “We are very happy with all the pro-democracy groups who have come here for the June 12 commemoration. We want all to support the President for his re-election. He is doing his best to address the nation’s challenges.

“The MKO Abiola family is in support of Tinubu’s second tenure as President. We want all parts of Nigeria to vote for him for the second time.”

Also during a rally from Ikeja to Alausa Secretariat, leaders of pro-democracy groups also declared support for Mr Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

Mrs Olufunke Akinwale of Team Nigeria for Change said Mr Tinubu had laid a solid foundation for national development through his reforms.

Similarly, Mrs Kafayat Akinpelu of June 12 Better Days Ahead of Nigeria said the rally was organised to mobilise support for Mr Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Earlier, the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) in conjunction with the June 12 Movement of Nigeria organised a tribute session at the late Abiola’s residence. 

(NAN)