new documentary on the life and legacy of late Nigerian businessman, publisher and politician Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola, is set to have its Nigerian national premiere on October 1, 2026, at the National Theatre in Lagos.
The film, titled MKO, was directed by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan and explores the events surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election, its annulment, the pro-democracy struggle that followed and Abiola’s death in detention in 1998.
National Premiere on Independence Day
The Nigerian premiere is scheduled for October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day, at the newly renovated Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is listed as the Chief Host of the premiere. The event will take place before the documentary’s nationwide cinema release on October 2.
The film’s release is being handled theatrically in Nigeria by Nile Entertainment.
What the Documentary Covers
MKO revisits the political events surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.
The documentary follows Abiola’s political journey, the events following the annulment, his detention and the wider pro-democracy movement that developed during the period. It also examines the circumstances surrounding his death in detention in July 1998.
According to the filmmakers, the documentary combines archival footage with first-hand accounts from people connected to the events.
Notable Figures Featured
The documentary features interviews and accounts involving several prominent figures connected to the period.
Among those featured are:
Former military leaders Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka
Babagana Kingibe, Abiola’s running mate in the 1993 election
Former US Ambassador to Nigeria Walter Carrington
Former US Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Pickering
Former Canadian High Commissioner Gerald Ohlsen
Members of the Abiola family
Journalists and other witnesses connected to the events.
The documentary also features Theodore Zadok, who served as Abiola’s security guard during his detention.
From International Festival to Nigerian Cinemas
Before its Nigerian release, MKO had its international premiere at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival in the United Kingdom on June 12, 2026.
The film has subsequently been part of international screenings, with its Nigerian premiere now scheduled for October 1.
Nationwide Cinema Release
Following the National Theatre premiere, MKO is scheduled to open in cinemas across Nigeria on October 2, 2026.
Promotional activities have already begun across the country, including a nationwide billboard campaign ahead of the premiere.
For audiences interested in Nigerian history, the documentary offers a cinematic account of one of the country’s most significant political episodes while bringing together archival material and testimony from people associated with the events.
Sources:
NTA
Channels Television
Premium Times
The Sun Nigeria
Voice of Nigeria
Official MKO documentary website