According to the 12-18 April 1993 issue of West Africa, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was born in Abeokuta in Ogun State on 24 August 1937 (590). The International Who's Who 1994-95 provides information, among other things, on Abiola's family. For the relevant details, please refer to page four of this publication, a copy of which is attached.

Again, West Africa in its 12-18 April 1993 issue, states that Abiola was educated in accounting at the University of Glasgow (590). Upon completion of his studies, he returned to Nigeria to become the deputy chief accountant of Lagos University Hospital in 1965 (ibid.). In its 26 January-1 February 1995 issue, Jeune Afrique corroborates the information from West Africa regarding Abiola's educational background and career (48-49).

The attached IPS report indicates that Abiola was elected the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) at the party's convention in Jos, the Plateau State capital, in March 1993 (29 Mar. 1993). According to Inter Press Service, Abiola gained 2683 votes. Abiola's rival, Baba Gana Kingibe, former chairperson of the SDP polled 2456 votes (ibid.). For further information on Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola between 1985 and 1993, please refer to the attachments. Also, please refer to pages 2 to 5, and to pages 11 to 13 of Human Rights Watch Africa report of October 1994 entitled "Nigeria: The Dawn of a New Dark Age." This document is currently available at Regional Documentation Centres.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Inter Press Service (IPS). 29 March 1993. "Nigeria: Party Presidential Candidates Elected." (NEXIS)

The International Who's Who 1994-95. 1994. London: Europa Publications.

Jeune Afrique [Paris]. 26 January-1 February 1995. No. 1777. Olivier Thibaud. "Portrait: Moshood Abiola."

West Africa [London]. 12-18 April 1993. "Nigeria-2: Destined to Rule?"

Africa Events [London]. May 1993. Vol. 9, No. 5. Adamu Danladi. "The Little Politics," pp. 20-21.

Africa Research Bulletin Political, Social and Cultural Series [Oxford]. 1-31 March 1993. Vol. 30, No. 3. "Nigeria: Millionaire Candidates," pp. 10923-924.

The Economist [London]. 7 August-13 August 1993. "Babangida Must Go," pp. 18, 20.

The Independent [London]. 29 March 1993. Karl Maier. "Muslim Millionaires Ready to Fight Nigerian Presidency." (NEXIS)

Inter Press Service (IPS). 29 March 1993. "Nigeria: Party Presidential Candidates Elected." (NEXIS)

The International Who's Who 1994-95. 1994. London: Europa Publications, p. 4.

Jeune Afrique [Paris]. 26 January-1 February 1995. No. 1777. Olivier Thibaud. "Portrait: Moshood Abiola," pp. 48-49.

New African [London]. October 1993. No. 312. Baffour Ankomah. "Who Rules Nigeria," pp. 15-16, 17.
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. September 1993. No. 311. Alan Rake. "Abiola Vs Babangida," pp. 11-13.