Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, has expressed regret over the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, admitting for the first time that the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola won the poll.
Babangida made the revelation in his newly launched autobiography, A Journey In Service, describing the annulment as an “accident of history.” Speaking at the book launch in Abuja on Thursday, the ex-military ruler stated that Abiola met the constitutional requirements to become president, securing 8,128,720 votes against Bashir Tofa’s 5,848,247 and achieving the necessary geographical spread.
Despite this, Babangida claimed that powerful forces opposed to Abiola’s presidency would have eliminated him had he taken office.
“The forces gathered against him after the June 12 elections were so formidable that I was convinced that if he became President, he would be quickly eliminated by the same very forces who pretended to be his friends,” Babangida said.
Babangida’s admission has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria. The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, dismissed his statement as belated and insufficient to address the damage caused by the annulment.
“His belated acknowledgement merely reaffirms what Nigerians have known for over three decades—that MKO Abiola was the rightful winner of that historic election. However, this long-overdue confession cannot exonerate Babangida and his associates from the monumental betrayal inflicted upon the nation,” Afenifere said in a statement.
Similarly, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, who was imprisoned for two years for fighting for Abiola’s mandate, stated that Babangida’s confession offered nothing new.
“We always knew and believed that Abiola won the election,” he said.
However, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) commended Babangida for taking responsibility for his decision.
“It takes a strong leader to admit his mistakes publicly. This shows IBB’s commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria,” CNG’s National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, said.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, also praised Babangida for his courage in making the admission, calling on Nigerians to forgive him.
“To err is human, and to forgive is divine. I personally have now forgiven him because he has owned up to the truth,” he said.
Calls for Abiola’s Recognition
Many pro-democracy activists insist that beyond Babangida’s apology, the late Abiola must receive full recognition as a former president.
Afenifere demanded that Abiola be formally recognized as a past president of Nigeria, with full posthumous privileges accorded to his family.
“Abiola must be inscribed in Nigeria’s history as the rightful President-elect who was denied the opportunity to serve,” the group stated.
Former Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, also emphasized that the government should adequately compensate Abiola’s family.
“Since government is a continuum, the MKO family should be adequately compensated,” Jang stated.
IBB Book Launch Draws Prominent Leaders
The book launch in Abuja was attended by top political and business leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, and former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Tinubu commended Babangida’s role in Nigeria’s political history, vowing to make tough decisions in the interest of the nation.
“You have done so, and you have laid the example. Thank you very much,” Tinubu said.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, pledged N8 billion towards the IBB Presidential Library, while BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Rabiu, donated N5 billion.
Despite Babangida’s remorse, many Nigerians remain skeptical, viewing his admission as coming too late to undo the consequences of the annulment.
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