Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has for the first time publicly acknowledged that the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election, but described its annulment as the “most difficult decision” of his life.
Babangida made the revelation in his newly launched autobiography, A Journey in Service, unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, February 120.
The book offers a deep dive into pivotal moments of Nigerian history, including controversial decisions during his time in power.
While reviewing the book at the launch, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo quoted Babangida as saying that Abiola, who contested the election under the banner of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), fulfilled all constitutional criteria for the presidency, including securing the majority of votes and meeting the necessary geographical spread.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” Babangida was quoted as saying, confirming Abiola’s victory, which had been widely regarded as the most credible and free election in Nigeria’s history.
Despite the overwhelming evidence of Abiola’s victory, Babangida justified the annulment of the results, citing national security concerns at the time.
The decision to annul the election, which had been conducted with great expectations for a peaceful transition to democracy, remains one of the most controversial and defining moments of Babangida’s regime.
Reflecting on the decision in his book, Babangida admitted, “Undoubtedly credible, free and fair elections were held in June, on June 12, 1993. However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process.”
He continued: “That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret. As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch.”
Babangida expressed that the annulment weighed heavily on him, but he found some solace in the posthumous recognition of Abiola.
In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari honoured Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) title, Nigeria’s highest national honour, which is typically reserved for sitting presidents.
“I took solace in the fact that, despite the annulment, MKO Abiola’s legacy was honoured by President Buhari,” Babangida added.
In addition to the June 12 election crisis, Babangida’s autobiography addresses other significant national events, including the 1976 coup attempt that resulted in the assassination of then-Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, and the 1986 letter bomb that killed investigative journalist Dele Giwa.
The June 12, 1993 election, won by Abiola, was abruptly annulled by Babangida’s government, sparking widespread protests and political unrest.
The annulment led to the incarceration of Abiola and a long period of political instability that eventually culminated in the return to civilian rule in 1999.
In his reflections, Babangida conceded that, if given the opportunity, he would have handled the entire situation differently.
He noted that, “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.”
The events surrounding the June 12 election remain deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political history, with many Nigerians continuing to remember Abiola’s sacrifice for democracy, while also seeking accountability for the annulment.
Babangida’s confession marks a rare moment of admission by a key figure in one of Nigeria’s most contentious political chapters.
