A new documentary examining the life of the late businessman, publisher and politician Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola is set to premiere in Lagos on October 1, 2026.
Titled MKO, the documentary was directed by internationally recognised filmmaker Ose Oyamendan and focuses on Abiola’s political journey and the events surrounding Nigeria’s historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The Nigerian premiere is scheduled to take place at the National Theatre in Lagos on Independence Day.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is listed as the Chief Host of the event.
The film will subsequently open in cinemas across Nigeria on October 2.
Revisiting the June 12 Era
The documentary comes more than three decades after the 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by the military government.
The annulment became a major turning point in Nigeria’s political history and was followed by a prolonged pro-democracy campaign.
MKO examines Abiola’s role during that period, including his political activities, the controversy surrounding the annulled election and the struggle that followed.
The documentary also explores the circumstances surrounding Abiola’s death while in detention in 1998.
Archival Material and Firsthand Accounts
According to Oyamendan, the project seeks to revisit one of the most significant periods in Nigeria’s political history through archival materials and accounts from individuals connected to the events.
The filmmaker said the documentary provides an opportunity to examine Abiola’s life and the wider political circumstances surrounding the June 12 struggle.
The October 1 premiere is expected to bring together personalities from the worlds of politics, entertainment, media and culture.
Following the Lagos premiere, members of the public will have the opportunity to see the documentary when it begins its nationwide cinema release on October 2.
NTA
