Dele Alake Sets the Record Straight on June 12: Tinubu’s Heroic Role Reaffirmed

 

In a compelling recent interview, Dele Alake..veteran journalist and Minister of Solid Minerals Development,defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's legacy in the historic June 12, 1993 elections. Responding to claims by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who alleged that Tinubu supported the annulment of the election, Alake dismissed the statement as “historically dishonest” and “blatant falsehood.”

Alake, a first-hand participant in the events that shaped Nigeria’s democratic struggle, recalled how Tinubu was among the earliest and most active defenders of MKO Abiola’s presidential mandate. From his central role in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries,where he was instrumental in persuading Atiku Abubakar to step down for Abiola,to leading protest planning, fundraising, and logistical coordination, Tinubu's contributions were pivotal.

He emphasized that Tinubu was on the ground immediately after the election annulment, organizing civil resistance and protest actions in Lagos and beyond. According to Alake, it was Tinubu who helped Abiola navigate political terrain post-election, even flying him into Katsina to condole with the Yar’Adua family and galvanize support.

Alake further noted that when the military under General Abacha seized power, Tinubu was forced into exile but continued to fund and coordinate pro-democracy campaigns from abroad. He also accompanied MKO Abiola during critical meetings with Abacha, aimed at negotiating the restoration of Abiola’s stolen mandate.

“Those of us who were there know the truth,” Alake said, “and history cannot be rewritten to suit the whims of opportunistic revisionists.”

With this reaffirmation, Dele Alake not only clarified the facts but reinforced President Bola Tinubu’s role as a committed patriot and one of the architects of Nigeria’s democratic rebirth.

By Ayobioloja kehinde