Bola Tinubu has recounted how he sought refuge in the United Kingdom during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, revealing that his residence was once placed under police protection after threats from agents of the military regime.
The President made this known on Wednesday while speaking at a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle.
In his remarks, Tinubu also expressed appreciation to Britain for its support to Nigerians during the years of military rule.
“Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship,” he said.
“Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police protection following threats from agents of the junta.”
Tinubu described the experience as significant, noting that it was “deeply humbling” to return to the UK as president of a democratic Nigeria.
Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle reached a peak in the 1990s after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Moshood Abiola under the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida, a development that sparked widespread protests and resistance across the country.