Abiola declares himself president and is detained

On June 11, 1994, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola declared himself president of Nigeria at Epetedo in Lagos, exactly one year after the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. The wealthy Yoruba businessman and publisher proclaimed his presidency before a crowd of supporters, claiming his mandate from the previous year's election. Within hours of his declaration, security forces arrested Abiola on charges of treason, and he was detained without trial.

Abiola's dramatic move came after a year of political turmoil following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, which he had convincingly won against Bashir Tofa. The annulment by military ruler Ibrahim Babangida sparked widespread protests and led to an interim government under Ernest Shonekan, which was quickly overthrown by General Sani Abacha in November 1993. Facing mounting pressure from pro-democracy groups and international observers to validate the election results, Abiola chose to assert his claim to the presidency directly.