The Nigerian Presidency has called on the family of the late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO Abiola) to formally submit a claim if they believe there are outstanding financial issues with the government. This plea comes amidst renewed demands for details regarding a reported ₦45 billion debt allegedly owed to the Abiola family by the Federal Government.

The family’s renewed push for compensation follows recent appeals made by Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido. During the launch of his memoir, “Being True to Myself,” in Abuja in May 2025, Lamido reiterated a long-standing dispute over funds owed to Abiola’s heirs. He asserted that Abiola’s company, International Telephone & Telegraph, executed major communication contracts for Nigeria’s military government in the 1970s but was never fully remunerated.

Lamido emphasised the importance of addressing this unresolved financial matter as part of national healing and justice. However, the response from the Presidency was clear: the Abiola family should directly file their claims if they possess sufficient evidence, rather than relying on public statements by political figures.

A senior Presidential official, speaking anonymously to Punch, commented, “The children of MKO Abiola are still very much alive. The first son is alive. If there is any money owed, they should file a formal claim. It is not for Sule Lamido to be speaking on behalf of the family.”

The official further questioned why past administrations under Presidents Obasanjo and Buhari, each in office for eight years, did not settle the debt, suggesting that the current administration does not see it as their immediate concern.

On another note, Hafsat Abiola, a family member and daughter of the late MKO Abiola, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government. She praised President Bola Tinubu for posthumously honouring her mother, conferring the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award on Kudirat Abiola, her mother and a prominent democracy advocate.

“I cannot find words sufficient to express my gratitude for President Tinubu’s decision to honour my mother, Kudirat Abiola, posthumously. She was driven by love and a deep sense of duty to defend her husband’s mandate and work tirelessly for Nigeria’s democracy. I am certain she would have been overwhelmed with joy to receive this recognition,” Hafsat said.