Exposed: Secret Military Allies Who Backed MKO Abiola Against All Odds – Full List Inside

In a recent statement, Umar — a former military officer known for his active role in the June 12 struggle — accepted the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), recently conferred on him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

However, Umar emphasized that many other military personnel had risked their careers and lives during the pro-democracy movement and deserved public recognition.

“When the President called to inform me of his generous decision to bestow the CFR award on me for my well-known role in the struggle to validate the June 12 election and affirm MKO Abiola’s mandate, my first thought was: why only me? What about the many unsung heroes?” Umar said.

“These officers and men played critical roles in that struggle — putting their careers and safety on the line. Although I was one of the leaders within the military, my contributions were not greater than theirs. While I am being recognised, they remain unknown. I feel it’s my duty to name them publicly and acknowledge their patriotism.”

Umar identified his deputy at the Armoured Corps Centre and School, Col. M.A. Garba, as one of the most committed, noting that even after several officers were arrested, detained, or forced into retirement in October 1993, Garba pressed on. He later rose to the rank of Major General.

Other officers named include:
Lt. Col. Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Lt. Col. U.F. Ahmed, Lt. Col. M.S. Dasuki, Lt. Col. M.L. Gwadabe, Lt. Col. J. Temlong, Lt. Col. Musa Shehu, Lt. Col. Chris Eze, Lt. Col. H.M. Dzarma, and Lt. Col. Isa Jibrin.

Further names included:
Lt. Col. J.O.S. Oshanupin, Lt. Col. A. Oloruntoba (Kabiyesi Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom), Lt. Col. Moke, Lt. Col. Happy Bulus, Lt. Col. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Col. J. Okai, Col. E. Ndubueze, Lt. Col. Yakubu Muazu, Lt. Col. Yahaya Abubakar (current Etsu Nupe), and Maj. Saad Abubakar (current Sultan of Sokoto).

Additional names mentioned include:
Maj. Abba Maimalari, Maj. Jamil Tahir, Maj. Buzugbe, Maj. L.P. Aprezi, Maj. M.K. Yake, Maj. J. Dawah, Maj. Suleiman Wali, Maj. Dauda Komo, Maj. Lucky Torrie, Maj. J.S. Zaruwa, Maj. M. Sumaye, Maj. Sani Bawa, Maj. Ndaliman, Maj. Ahmed, Maj. M. Bawa, Lt. Col. J.B. Ahmadu, Capt. Junaid Bindawa, and Capt. Lar.

Umar also stressed that Abiola’s overwhelming victory among the military — securing over 80% of their votes — highlighted broader support within the ranks.

He admitted the list was incomplete, acknowledging there were others whose roles he might not know due to them serving under different commands.

“To those whose names were not included, I ask for understanding — may God acknowledge your sacrifices. I accept this honour on behalf of all these officers. But let it be meaningful: true dividends of democracy can only be realised when leaders govern with integrity and justice,” he concluded.