Alhaji Bashir Tofa, the presidential candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention who ran against the late Bashorun Moshood Abiola, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the June 12, 1993 presidential election has criticized President Muhammadu Buhari over his handling of the posthumous honour bestowed on Abiola and the declaration of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

In a press statement released on Saturday, Tofa stated that whatever may be the prevailing sentiment and politics in Abuja, the idea that June 12 should be the new Democracy Day is also a matter that deserved serious reconsideration.

He noted that many Nigerians were worried about the brazen one-sidedness of the presidential action which he described as curious, especially given the list of invitees to Tuesday’s event at the Presidential Villa supposedly to mark ‘Democracy Day’.

Tofa, who is also a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said although he appreciated those who believe he should also have been honoured, he would not accept it if given to him in similar circumstance.

While reiterating that he holds no grudge against Abiola, the presumed winner of the election, Tofa reminded Nigerians that the late Abiola was a close personal friend of his,  a relationship which he said dated back to the Second Republic when he was the National Financial Secretary of the then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

In a statement he released, Tofa wrote:

“In the Holy Name of God, The Merciful.

Following the decision by President Muhammadu Buhari to honour my late friend, Alhaji Mashood K. Abiola (may Allah grant him peace) and officially recognize him as the winner of the inconclusive 12th June 1993 presidential election in which I was a candidate, I have been inundated by calls from friends, well-wishers, former political associates and journalists.

“While some worry about the brazen one-sidedness of this curious presidential action, especially given the list of invitees to Tuesday’s event at the Villa supposedly to mark ‘Democracy Day’, there are also those who canvass that I be so honoured with a similar award of GCFR, if the motive indeed was noble and meant to serve the end of justice. As much as I appreciate the goodwill, in this circumstance, however, I have to say that I would not accept it as it is, even if given.

“While I do not begrudge the President his power to bestow favour on whomsoever he pleases, it is also important, especially for history, for all actions from the highest authority in the country to be based on fair play and law. Needless to say, being one of the two presidential candidates in that election does not in any way define me or my achievements in life; it was not even the most important one.

“However, as I have reiterated many times in the past, I am grateful to the numerous Nigerians from across the length and breadth of the country who made enormous sacrifices in the National Republican Convention (NRC) as well as the millions of our citizens who voted for both the late Abiola and myself in that historic election.

“Much more importantly, I am most grateful to Almighty God for the several Honours He has bestowed on me; all of which have enriched my life. As for my friend, M. K. O. Abiola, what he needs most is our sincere prayers for Allah’s mercy and the gift of Paradise for him. While some of us   cherish his memory as a departed friend and compatriot, there are many who will continue to exploit it and to glory in it for their own benefits.

“For those who may have forgotten or never knew, the late Abiola was a close personal friend of mine, a relationship dating back to the Second Republic when I was the National Financial Secretary of the then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and he was the Ogun State Chairman of the party.

“So, I do not in any way begrudge him the post-humous honour, even when I insist that the right thing must be done at all times.

“Meanwhile, whatever may be the prevailing sentiment and politics in Abuja, the idea that June 12 should be the new Democracy Day is also a matter that deserves serious reconsideration. Such decisions should be beyond some political cold calculations.

Finally, like all, I am also travelling on the path prepared for me by God Almighty.

“He controls my destiny and I pray He will continue to favour and to guide me. All Power belongs to Him alone. He gives it to whom He pleases and He Has Power over all things, including every ambition.

“May The Almighty, in whose Hands lie our destinies keep our beloved country and peoples together in unity, peace and prosperity. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”