Yar’Adua Ordered Me to Step Down for MKO Abiola – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his late political mentor, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, instructed him to step down for MKO Abiola during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential primaries in 1993.

Atiku shared this in an interview with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie on Untold Stories, explaining that Yar’Adua insisted he withdraw from the race to support Abiola. He also disclosed that SDP governors had warned they would withdraw their support if Abiola chose him as his running mate instead of Babagana Kingibe.

He recalled urging Abiola to come to Jos, warning that Babagana Kingibe could win the primary if he delayed. Abiola eventually arrived late at night and met with Yar’Adua. Atiku said he was not part of the discussion but was later informed by Yar’Adua to step down, which he immediately accepted.

Abiola went on to win the election, but it was later annulled by the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida. In February 2025, Babangida expressed regret over the decision, admitting that the 1993 election was free, fair, and credible.