My brother Kola was dating IBB’s daughter while my dad was in jail, Abiola’s son claims

Abdul Mumuni, the son of the late MKO Abiola, says his elder brother Kola, “is unfit to rule Nigeria”.

Abiola was a Nigerian businessman, publisher, and politician. The acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election died in military detention on July 7, 1998.

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), former head of state, inexplicably annulled the June 12, 1993, general election — which was considered by most Nigerians as the freest and fairest poll in the country’s history.

It was widely believed that Abiola was leading when Babangida annulled the election. Abiola was also imprisoned.

In a recent episode of the Mic On Podcast, Mumuni claimed Kola was dating IBB’s daughter while their dad was languishing in prison.

He also argued that his elder brother failed to sustain Abiola’s political legacy and unite the family.

“I blame him for how Abiola’s legacy turns out because he was in a pivotal position after the crisis. He could have been a strong voice of true democratic value but he chose not to,” he said.

“Apparently, at the time my father was still in jail, he was having a relationship with Babangida’s daughter. It’s sad, but I am a little pleased that my father didn’t come out to see what his first son has turned out to become.”

Like Abiola, Kola contested for the presidency under the Peoples Redemption Party in the 2023 elections.

Speaking further, Mumuni said he did not back Kola’s presidential ambition because he believed he “is not fit to rule Nigeria”.

“I’m unhappy with him, even Nigerians are unhappy. We saw how many people voted for him when he campaigned for the presidency,” he added.

“I wondered how he thought he could be president when he could not manage Abiola’s empire. How do you want to manage Nigeria? How does that work?”