Oshiomhole Hails MKO Abiola as Symbol of Democratic Resistance, Ignores Tinubu in Fresh June 12 Speech Amid 2027 Senate Presidency Ambition

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the outspoken former Governor of Edo State, has once again stirred political conversations with his fiery tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola on the 2026 June 12 Democracy Day celebration.

Speaking in Akure at an event organised by the Ondo State Government themed “June 12 and Beyond: Reflecting on the Progress of Democracy and Security Concerns,” Oshiomhole described June 12 as a symbol of courage, resilience, and democratic conviction anchored on Abiola’s legacy. He called the late business mogul “the conscience of the Nigerian nation” for refusing to abandon his mandate despite intense military pressure from Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha.

Oshiomhole, who was Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) during the June 12 crisis, recounted Abiola’s unwavering stand and praised the rare national unity displayed during the 1993 election, where Nigerians voted across ethnic and religious lines.

Interestingly, in his lengthy remarks, the Edo North Senator made no direct reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite Tinubu’s well-known role in the June 12 struggle and his position as a major beneficiary of the democratic gains from that era. Political observers see this omission as deliberate, especially as Oshiomhole continues to position himself aggressively ahead of the 2027 political permutations.

The 2027 Senate Presidency Angle

Many analysts believe Oshiomhole’s recent actions and statements are strategically tied to his reported ambition to contest for the position of Senate President in the 11th National Assembly. His persistent clashes with current Senate President Godswill Akpabio, including dramatic face-offs over Senate rules and eligibility criteria for leadership positions, are widely interpreted as part of a calculated move to weaken Akpabio’s grip and clear the path for himself or a preferred candidate in 2027.

Oshiomhole has also been vocal in calling for the arrest and investigation of former NNPCL Group Managing Director Mele Kyari over alleged financial irregularities and audit queries running into trillions of naira. Critics argue this is another front in his broader political strategy to assert influence and demonstrate independence from certain power blocs within the APC.

By invoking the spirit of June 12 and Abiola’s resistance, Oshiomhole appears to be burnishing his democratic credentials while subtly distancing himself from the current administration’s narrative, keeping his options open for a bigger role in the post-2027 Senate leadership race.

The event in Akure also featured Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and elder statesman Olu Falae, who both emphasised the need to defend democratic gains and address security challenges ahead of future elections.

Source: BusinessDay NG (June 12, 2026)

What is your take on Oshiomhole’s June 12 message and his ongoing political manoeuvres? Is he truly fighting for democracy or positioning for 2027? Drop your comments below.