Abuja, Nigeria – In a move that has reignited controversy dating back some decades ago, former military Head of State Ibrahim Babangida has openly regretted the cancellation of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which is generally thought to have been won by the late MKO Abiola. The confession, made at the launch of his autobiography, ‘A Journey In Service,’ has been greeted with a variety of responses, ranging from guarded acceptance to outright denunciation.
Babangida, who ruled Nigeria between 1985 and 1993, admitted that Abiola, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, had actually won the election. In his book, he called the annulment an “accident of history” and conceded that if the election returns were scrutinized more closely, Abiola had fulfilled all the constitutional conditions for winning the presidency, having secured a majority of votes and spread geographically required nationwide.
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“Even though I am on record to have said after the election that Abiola did not win the election, after further reflection and a closer look at all the facts available, especially the comprehensive election results…there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 election,” Babangida wrote in his book.
He further explained that Abiola obtained 8,128,720 votes against his opponent, Tofa’s, 5,848,247 votes and securing the mandatory one-third of the votes cast in 28 states of the federation, including Abuja.
At the Abuja book launch, Babangida again expressed his regret, declaring, “Certainly credible, free and fair elections were conducted on June 12, 1993. But the sad irony of history is that the government that thought up this near-perfect electoral system and which went as far as it did to carry it out could not finalize it. That piece of history is most unfortunate. The country is owed my expression of regret.”
Taking full responsibility for the decisions made during his tenure, Babangida added, “As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch. And June 12 happened under my watch; mistakes, oversights, and missteps happened in quick succession, but I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.”
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Babangida’s admission has triggered a wave of responses from various individuals and groups, reflecting the deep emotional and political scars left by the annulment.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the book at the launch, quoted Babangida as saying that the June 12 election was “the most challenging of my life,” and that if he had to do it again, he would “do it differently.”
However, many prominent Nigerians and pro-democracy groups have expressed skepticism and criticism. The Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, dismissed Babangida’s remorse as “belated and insufficient,” arguing that it does not absolve him of the “monumental and irreversible damage” caused by the annulment.
“His belated acknowledgement that the election was indisputably free, fair, and credible merely reaffirms what Nigerians have known for over three decades—that Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was the rightful winner of that historic election,” declared Kole Omololu, group’s Organizing Secretary. “However, this long-overdue confession cannot exonerate Babangida and his associates from the monumental betrayal inflicted upon the nation.”
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, echoed this sentiment, stating that Babangida’s admission “is nothing new” and that he and others had long fought for Abiola’s mandate.
In contrast, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) praised Babangida for his courage in owning up to his faults, describing him as an “exemplary leader” who took responsibility for his decision.
The annulment of the June 12 election remains a contentious issue in Nigerian history. It plunged the country into a political crisis, led to widespread protests, and ultimately contributed to Babangida’s resignation in August 1993. The struggle for democracy continued until the return to civilian rule in 1999.
The book launch also drew attention to other controversial events during Babangida’s rule, including the 1976 coup attempt that led to the assassination of then-Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, and the 1986 letter bomb that killed investigative journalist, Dele Giwa. Babangida has consistently denied any involvement in Giwa’s death, expressing hope that the truth will eventually be revealed.
The event was attended by an elite gathering of past and present leaders, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, who called for the creation of presidential libraries to preserve the country’s political history. President Bola Tinubu praised Babangida for his contributions to national unity and economic growth, pledging to follow his example in making difficult decisions in the interest of the nation.
Former President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo said that multi-party democracy would be significant for the development of Africa and warned against the surging tide of military coups describing this as a reverse for democratic strides .
Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited contributed N8 billion towards the IBB Presidential Library, while Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman BUA Group contributed N5 billion for the building of the library.
Babangida’s admission about the June 12 election has reopened old wounds and sparked a national conversation about justice, accountability, and the legacy of military rule in Nigeria. As the country grapples with its past, the debate over the annulment is likely to continue for years to come.
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Reported by GistNexus Team Jenifer Ema and Edited by Mr. Chibueze Onwuka