Mixed reactions as President Buhari renames Abuja Stadium after June 12 Hero, MKO Abiola
Following the renaming of Abuja stadium after late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola as part of the historical event set aside by President Muhammadu Buhari to mark the maiden celebration of June 12 as Democracy Day, Nigerians on social media have come out to register their reactions.
Earlier, on Wednesday, June 12, the president renamed the popular stadium in honour of the late business icon and Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, adjudged winner of the presidential election held on June 12, 1998.
The election, which was said to be the freest and fair election in Nigeria’s history, could have been a transition from military rule to democratic government had it not been annulled by the former military head of state Ibrahim Babangida.
President Buhari had meanwhile conferred the GCFR honour to the late politician posthumously and renamed the stadium after him in what Nigerians have described as official recognition of his victory.
Therefore we gather reactions of Nigerians as Abuja stadium henceforth becomes MKO Abiola stadium.
https://twitter.com/Sumner_Sambo/status/1138798278097756160
@MBuhari proposes the renaming of the National stadium Abuja as Moshood Abiola stadium.
Abiola won the freest election in Nigeria. That election was annulled and he was denied the rights to lead our nation.
Last year, Buhari honoured him and June 12 is now Democracy day. 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/TgM22OaOSo— Lauretta Onochie (@Laurestar) June 12, 2019
I believe President Buhari didn't think it through before renaming National Stadium to Moshood Abiola Stadium. It seems like an emotional decision made on the spur of the moment. What about MKO Abiola Stadium at Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State? 🙄#DemocracyDay #Nigeria #June12 pic.twitter.com/EXw1raDk90
— Ayemojubar (@ayemojubar) June 12, 2019