MKO Documentary Premieres in Lagos, Opens in Nigerian Cinemas

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MKO, Ose Oyamendan's documentary on the life and political legacy of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, has had its Nigerian national premiere. The film was screened on October 1, Independence Day, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Theatre, in Iganmu, Lagos. President Bola Tinubu served as chief host and attended with First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. The 108-minute film then began its commercial run in cinemas across Nigeria on Friday, October 2. What the film covers Channels Television reports that MKO examines Abiola's rise as a businessman, publisher and politician, his part in the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the annulment of that election by the military government and the pro-democracy struggle that followed. It also covers his detention and his death in custody in 1998. NTA notes that the premiere came 33 years after the annulment, which triggered a long pro-democracy struggle. Oyamendan describes the film as an effort to revisit a defining period in Nigeria's political history through archival material and first-hand accounts. Who appears in it The documentary features former military head of state Ibrahim Babangida, former head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and Abiola's 1993 running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe. Former US ambassador to Nigeria Walter Carrington, former US deputy secretary of state Thomas Pickering, former Canadian high commissioner Gerald Ohlsen and members of the Abiola family also appear. NTA adds foreign journalists and Theodore Zadok, who served as Abiola's security guard during his detention. Channels says Tinubu himself is featured, reflecting his role in the pro-democracy movement. A filmmaker with a personal link Oyamendan, a Nigerian-American filmmaker, produced and directed MKO. At the premiere, Channels reports, he recalled his own experience of the period as a journalist with Weekend Concord, a newspaper Abiola founded. He said the film aims to preserve Abiola's story and the events around June 12, and to present them to Nigerians who were too young to remember the period or were born after it. He also paid tribute to Tinubu and said those who took part in the struggle against military rule made personal sacrifices in demanding recognition of the June 12 mandate. Who attended The premiere was part of activities marking Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary. Guests included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa and former Ogun governor Segun Osoba. Key facts Title: MKO Director and producer: Ose Oyamendan Running time: 108 minutes International premiere: Sheffield International Documentary Festival, June 12, 2026 Nigerian premiere: October 1, 2026, Wole Soyinka Centre (formerly National Theatre), Lagos Cinema release: October 2, 2026 Nigerian distributor: Nile Entertainment From Sheffield to Nigerian cinemas MKO had its international premiere at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival in the UK on June 12, 2026, the anniversary of the election. NTA says it has continued on the international documentary circuit, with screenings and theatrical releases planned across Europe and North America. In Nigeria, Nile Entertainment is handling theatrical distribution, with a nationwide campaign aimed especially at younger Nigerians who did not experience the June 12 struggle first-hand. The film joins a busy month at the box office, where Nollywood titles such as Agbara Nla: The Return have been leading the weekend charts. A return to public engagements Channels notes that the premiere also marked Tinubu's return to a major public engagement in Nigeria after a four-week working visit to Europe. The President returned to Lagos on September 29 ahead of the Independence anniversary activities. The evening brought together political leaders, members of the creative industry and people connected to Nigeria's political history to revisit one of the defining episodes in the country's past, Channels adds. What's next MKO is now in Nigerian cinemas, and its makers plan further international screenings across Europe and North America. Nigerian film is also in the awards conversation this season with the country's Oscar submission, Dear Ajayi . Follow our documentary and film coverage. Sources: Channels Television | NTA