President Tinubu will host the June 12 documentary premiere in Lagos on October 1, featuring key figures from Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis.
President Bola Tinubu will host the Nigerian premiere of MKO, a new documentary about Nigeria’s historic June 12, 1993 election. The premiere will hold on October 1 at the National Theatre in Lagos. It will also coincide with Nigeria’s Independence Day. The documentary will open in cinemas nationwide on October 2.
MKO tells the story of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and the crisis after the 1993 election. The military government led by Ibrahim Babangida annulled the election. Many Nigerians and observers widely regarded Abiola as the winner. The film explores the struggle for democracy that followed. It also features Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Olusegun Obasanjo, Wole Soyinka and Babagana Kingibe.
In addition, the documentary includes accounts from Abiola’s family and foreign officials. Former US Ambassador Walter Carrington and diplomat Thomas Pickering also appear. Abiola’s former security guard, Theodore Zadok, shares a personal account. He recalls the final period of Abiola’s life during detention. Producer Ose Oyamendan said Tinubu’s role as host adds special meaning to the project.
“It is an enormous honour that President Tinubu is recognising this important film as chief host,” he said.
Meanwhile, the film will receive an international screening on September 23. The event will take place at American University in Washington, D.C. Its theme is “Democracy Denied: Nigeria’s Annulled 1993 Election and Its Lasting Legacies.” The discussion will examine the election crisis and its impact on democracy. Oyamendan said the film goes beyond Abiola’s biography.
“This is a story that belongs to Nigerians,” he said.
Nile Entertainment will distribute the documentary in Nigerian cinemas. Managing Director Moses Babatope said the story also holds personal meaning for him. His father worked at Concord Newspapers, founded by Abiola. Babatope said the film can help younger Nigerians understand a defining moment in the country’s history.
