Abiola’s Family Demands Clarity on Reported ₦45bn Debt, Presidency Responds

Last updated: Jun 14, 2025. 6:13 am

By Praise Ben

4 Min Read

Abiola’s Family Demands ₦45bn Debt

Abiola’s Family Demands Clarity on Reported ₦45bn Debt.
Presidency advises family to file formal claim with evidence.
Hafsat Abiola thanks Tinubu for honouring late mother Kudirat.

The family of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola has requested full details regarding a reported ₦45 billion debt allegedly owed to it by the Federal Government.

This follows fresh claims made by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who urged President Bola Tinubu to compensate the Abiola family as an act of national healing and historical justice.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking at the May 2025 launch of his memoir ‘Being True to Myself’ in Abuja, Lamido alleged that Abiola’s company, International Telephone & Telegraph (ITT), executed major telecommunications contracts for Nigeria’s military government in the 1970s but was never fully paid. According to him, the late Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, acknowledged the debt before his assassination in 1976, and Abiola himself confirmed the amount when Lamido visited him in 1994.

Describing the debt as a “double punishment,” Lamido said the annulment of Abiola’s 1993 presidential victory and the non-payment of the alleged contract amount were both injustices. He called for the debt to be settled as a symbolic gesture to close the June 12 chapter honourably.

“Abiola kept faith with this country. Paying what is owed will close the chapter decently,” he said, appealing to Information Minister Mohammed Idris to convey the message to President Tinubu.

Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, also backed the appeal. He urged Tinubu to act swiftly, stating, “It is not just about compensation; it is about honouring a man who gave everything for this democracy. Giving an appointment to one of his children is not enough.”

Responding, Jamiu Abiola, speaking for the family, said the matter lacked detail. “The former governor did not say what the money was owed for. Before we can say more about it, we need more details,” he told Saturday PUNCH.

A senior Presidency official, speaking anonymously, said the family could file a claim if they have the necessary evidence. “It is not for Sule Lamido to be saying this. The children of MKO Abiola are alive. If there’s any debt, let them file a claim,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hafsat Abiola, one of MKO’s daughters, on Friday appreciated President Tinubu for posthumously conferring the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on their late mother, Kudirat Abiola. “She would have been overwhelmed with joy to be so honoured,” Hafsat said.