Abdul, one of the sons of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO Abiola), has publicly criticized his elder brother Kola’s ability to lead Nigeria.
Abdul contends that Kola, who ran for president under the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in 2023, has failed to manage the Abiola family empire effectively.
Speaking on Seun Okinbaloye’s podcast “Mic On,” Abdul expressed disappointment in Kola’s handling of their father’s legacy. “MKO Abiola’s legacy would have been properly sustained if Kola was in a better position and could have been a voice of better democratic values, but he chose not to,” Abdul said.
He also highlighted Kola’s controversial relationship with the daughter of former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida during MKO Abiola’s imprisonment, which Abdul believes tarnished the family’s legacy. “It’s sad, but I’m a little pleased that my father didn’t come out to see what his first son has turned out to become,” he noted.
Abdul questioned Kola’s capability to manage Nigeria given his perceived failure to sustain the Abiola legacy. “I wondered how he thought he could be president when he could not manage Abiola’s empire. How will he manage Nigeria?” Abdul remarked. He further lamented that many Nigerians share his dissatisfaction, as reflected in Kola’s poor performance in the 2023 presidential election.
Abdul concluded by criticizing the broader issue of unqualified individuals seeking higher office in Nigeria: “This is the problem in Nigeria: people are not showing capacity in their own little sphere of work but want a higher position.”
