By Muhammed Adeniyi
Some Nigerians have criticised former Nigerian President Ibrahim Babangida for annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which resulted in Moshood Abiola losing his victory.
This is as Babangida expressed regret over the annulment of the presidential election, acknowledging that the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, MKO Abiola, won the poll.
In the concluding section of the 12th chapter of his autobiography launched Thursday in Abuja, titled, ‘A Journey In Service,’ the former leader described the annulment of the election as an “accident of history.”
Recall that Abiola, a successful businessman, showed his commitment to creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and addressing poverty.
He was also known for advocating for democratic reforms and greater political freedoms, and he hoped to transform Nigeria into a more open, fair, and inclusive society. His vision was to tackle corruption and ensure that Nigeria’s resources were better utilised for the welfare of its citizens.
Abiola’s death in 1998 under mysterious circumstances, while still fighting for recognition as the legitimate winner of the 1993 election, left many questions unanswered.
His legacy, however, continues to inspire Nigerians who remember him as a symbol of democracy and hope.
In a conversation with New Daily Prime correspondent, lawyer Titilola Babatunde stated that the move not only thwarted Abiola’s leadership but also set back the country’s democratic advancement, resulting in prolonged instability and disillusionment among the populace.
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The lawyer added that Babangida’s actions were widely viewed as having undermined MKO Abiola’s vision for a better Nigeria.
He said, “The annulment of the 1993 presidential election, which Abiola was believed to have won and which is now also being confirmed by the military dictator himself, was a pivotal moment that obstructed the democratic process and dashed the hopes of many Nigerians and the country as an establishment.”
Also speaking, a political analyst, Afeez Agunbiade, said every politician comes with a promise of making the country greater.
He expressed that with Abiola one can bask in the euphoria assumptions as regards what could have been.
Agunbiade stated, “Yes he was said to have a good plan for the development of the country. Haven’t said all that it is an established fact that IBB denied us the opportunity to witness what can now be regarded as an assumption of a greater Nigeria with Abiola as President.
“However, I noted that only a few of them had been able to make any tangible improvement.”
A member of the Citadel political group, Tobi Lawal, condemned the annulment of the election, adding that it would have changed Nigeria for good.
He said, “Abiola was a revered figure. If he had served the country, it would have been better today. Nigeria would have become a wonderful country.
“Abiola had indigenous solutions to our problems. As a leader, he was not relying on western ideas and ideals alone, he understood the need to domesticate these solutions.”
