President Bola Tinubu has commended former military president General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) for his admission that late M.K.O. Abiola won the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Speaking on Thursday at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, and a fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library Project in Abuja, Tinubu described the former leader’s acknowledgement as an act of courage and patriotism.
The President, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” and the fundraising for the IBB Presidential Library Project, saluted the former leader’s contribution to the country’s history and development.
Babangida, who led Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, admitted for the first time in 32 years that Abiola had indeed won the election based on collated results.
READ ALSO: How I turned down N800,000 from MKO Abiola — Sowore
He described annulling the election as the most difficult decision of his career, acknowledging that, in hindsight, he would have handled it differently.
Tinubu also lauded Babangida’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape, particularly through private-sector growth and banking sector reforms.
He credited the former leader for inspiring a generation of politicians, including himself.
President Tinubu said the former leader’s admission about Abiola’s victory will help to set the records properly.
“I am glad about the revelation of June 12. My General, we will not forget to pray for you. I listened to you carefully. I am not here to read a speech. I am here to pay homage.
“Let me say thank you for everything, for who you are, what you are, and how you have contributed to the history of this great country,’’ he said.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to the nation, stating that he would continue making tough decisions to reposition the economy.
He urged Nigerians to channel their time, energy, and resources into building their homeland while remaining aware of evolving global migration laws that could hinder their pursuit of a better life.
“I am glad about what is happening in America and Europe, the contradiction you have seen now. What is it telling us? It is telling us to wake up and make Africa a better place, particularly this country, Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Babangida admits Abiola won June 12 election, calls annulment ‘toughest decision’
“I have seen the need to make some decisions on behalf of this country. I want to thank all of you for your mandate, patience, and perseverance. Whatever might have happened, we have heard the truth from our dear leader, father, and uncle, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida,’’ he added.
President Tinubu praised Babangida for his foresight in fostering the growth of Nigeria’s private sector.
“Without you, people like me will not be in politics. I thank you for your progressive revolution. You said you wanted young, brilliant people in politics. We met you in Dodan Barracks.
“You inspired some of us. And when you look at the programme today, the names of bankers and many of us here today for this library project are all because they believe in the visionary Babangida. Thank you for what you are.”
President Tinubu noted the former military leader’s efforts to set the pace for democratic elections in the country.
“One thing that I cannot forget when you were in office. You recall that we were elected lawmakers, and you kept postponing our inauguration. You summoned us to Abuja. And when we became rancorous, you summoned us to the International Conference Centre.
“I was not expecting to say anything. I was sitting down, thinking whether you would not inaugurate us again. But when Dr Patrick Dele Cole summoned me to remark, I confronted you, saying that you had an opportunity to make history that day, and you failed to do it. Why not inaugurate us? Why are you calling us back and postponing the inauguration?
“They all thought I would end up in jail, but you came out at the end of the remark and shook my hands. I can’t forget that day. You are courageous. That’s an inspiration that was so impactful in our own lives.
“But when we returned to the hotel, the doors were locked, and there were no keys”.
READ ALSO: Babangida admits Abiola won June 12 election, calls annulment ‘toughest decision’
The President stated that the former President deserved the sacrifices made by many to attend the event.
“So many of the bankers—when we approached you—I was with Mobil, and we were discussing with, I believe, the late Abubakar Alhaji, who was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance.”
He acknowledged that General Babangida’s approval of operational licenses for banks and his role in deregulating the economy sparked the emergence of new-generation banks.
“Nigeria has never been the same since then. You have left an indelible mark,” he added.
In response, General Babangida expressed gratitude to the President and all guests for attending the unveiling of his autobiography.
Reflecting on his tenure, Babangida admitted that annulling the June 12 elections was the most difficult decision of his life. Given another opportunity, he said he would have handled the situation differently.
“There is no doubt that the elections held on June 12, 1993, were credible, free, and fair. However, the tragic irony of history is that the same administration that designed and conducted a near-perfect electoral process could not see it through to completion.
“That unfortunate turn of events remains deeply regrettable. The nation rightfully expects me to acknowledge this. As the leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for every decision made under my watch,” the former leader stated.
“June 12 happened during my administration. Mistakes, oversights, and missteps followed in quick succession, but as I explain in my book, every action taken was in the supreme national interest—to ensure Nigeria’s survival.”
He expressed relief that former President Muhammadu Buhari had officially recognized Abiola’s victory in the June 12 elections and posthumously awarded him the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Nigeria’s highest honour reserved for presidents.
The book’s reviewer, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, noted that Babangida admitted in the autobiography that Abiola secured the majority vote and achieved the required spread, winning at least a quarter of the votes in two-thirds of the states.
READ ALSO: How I turned down N800,000 from MKO Abiola — Sowore
The event attracted a distinguished gathering of Nigerian business and political leaders, along with former Presidents of Ghana and Sierra Leone.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo presided over the event, while former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered the keynote address.
Also in attendance were General Yakubu Gowon, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and former Vice President Namadi Sambo.
A former Minister of Works represented former President Muhammadu Buhari at the event.
