Human rights lawyer Femi Falana believes Nigerians have long acknowledged the late Moshood Abiola as a former president. His remarks came in response to comments made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

During an interview on Tuesday’s edition of Politics Today on Channels Television, Falana questioned why the political class is only now considering formally recognizing Abiola as a past leader.

Recall that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu recently joined a growing list of Nigerians calling on the government to officially recognize Abiola as a former president.

“Yes, Abiola won the election. And I will say President Tinubu should declare him a president posthumously,” Kalu, who represents Abia North, stated on Tuesday before the commencement of plenary.

Earlier, former military president Ibrahim Babangida, during the launch of his memoir, admitted that Abiola had indeed won the 1993 election but claimed he annulled the results in the "national interest."

Since Babangida’s admission, there have been renewed calls for President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize the late Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate as a former president. However, Falana argued that Nigerians have long conferred that status on Abiola.

“Since 1993, he has been recognized by the people of Nigeria as an elected president,” Falana said. “These guys who are trying to turn back the hands of the clock are just now realizing it.”