Filmmaker Ose Oyamendan Teases Documentary on MKO Abiola, June 12 Struggle

Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan has teased an upcoming documentary chronicling the life, legacy, and political struggle of the late business mogul and politician, MKO Abiola.
Oyamendan disclosed that the documentary will focus on Abiola’s role in Nigeria’s democratic history, particularly the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest poll in the country’s history.
Abiola, who was the presumed winner of the election, never assumed office following its annulment by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, a development that plunged Nigeria into a prolonged political crisis and sparked nationwide protests demanding the restoration of democracy.
According to Oyamendan, the documentary will explore Abiola’s personal life, political ambitions, and the intense struggle that followed the annulment, including the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists during the June 12 movement.
The filmmaker said the project aims to preserve historical memory and educate younger generations about the events that shaped Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
Although a release date has not yet been announced, Oyamendan described the documentary as a deeply researched work featuring archival materials, eyewitness accounts, and expert analysis of the June 12 struggle and Abiola’s enduring legacy.
Abiola died in custody on July 7, 1998, a day after meeting with a United States delegation, under circumstances that remain controversial.
In recent years, June 12 has been officially recognised as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, in honour of Abiola and those who fought for the nation’s democratic restoration.