Documentary on MKO Abiola premieres at Sheffield DocFest on Nigeria’s Democracy Day
The investigative documentary MKO, directed by Nigerian filmmaker Ose Oyemandan, has its world premiere today at Sheffield DocFest in the United Kingdom, coinciding with Nigeria’s Democracy Day on 12 June. The 108-minute film examines the annulment of the 12 June 1993 presidential election, the detention of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, and the unresolved questions surrounding his death in custody in 1998.
Premiering on Democracy Day adds symbolic weight, as the holiday commemorates Abiola’s election victory before the military government annulled it. The documentary draws on archival footage, interviews, and investigative reporting, featuring conversations with former military president Ibrahim Babangida, former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, U.S. diplomat Thomas Pickering, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, members of the Abiola family, journalists, and human rights activists. Produced by Veronique Bernard, it is a Nigeria‑UK‑Canada‑US co‑op.
While the festival run begins today, details on a wider Nigerian release or streaming availability have not yet been announced. Will you seek out the documentary when it becomes accessible locally, or use its release as a moment to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the lingering questions about June 12?