By Our Reporter
Former military president, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), has confessed that the June 12, 1993 election, which was annulled without announcing a winner, was won by Moshood Abiola. Babangida, who was at the helm of affairs at the time, expressed regret over his role in the annulment but stated that the decision was made to protect the national interest.
The revelation came during the launch of his autobiography, A Journey in Service, in Abuja on Thursday. Babangida, reflecting on the past, took full responsibility for the actions of his administration. “As the leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken by me. June 12 happened under my watch. Mistakes, oversights, and missteps happen in quick succession, but I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in extreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive,” he told the audience.
He further expressed his sorrow over the interruption of the nation’s march to democracy, acknowledging that it was a move he deeply regretted. “Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret. But Nigeria survived and democracy is still alive, a testament to our resilience and commitment to progress. This book is part of my personal story with national history,” Babangida added.
Abiola, who contested the election on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) platform, was widely believed to have won against Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC). In a striking revelation from his memoir, Babangida admitted that after further reflection and closer examination of all available facts, including the detailed election results published in the book, there was no doubt that Abiola had won the June 12 elections.
Ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the book, quoted the passage, calling it a significant revelation.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, upon assuming office in 2018, shifted Nigeria’s Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in honor of Abiola and the democratic struggle.