Babangida Expresses Regret Over June 12 Annulment, Acknowledges MKO Abiola’s Victory
Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, has expressed regret over the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, acknowledging that the late MKO Abiola won the poll. Speaking at the launch of his autobiography, A Journey In Service, on Thursday in Abuja, Babangida described the annulment as an “accident of history.”
The June 12 election, regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was annulled by Babangida’s administration over alleged national security concerns. The decision led to nationwide protests and political unrest, ultimately forcing Babangida to step down. The country’s democratic progress was stalled until the return to civilian rule in 1999.
Reflecting on the election, Babangida admitted that Abiola had secured the majority votes and geographical spread, obtaining 8,128,720 votes against Bashir Tofa’s 5,848,247. He claimed, however, that forces opposed to Abiola were so formidable that he feared Abiola would be eliminated if allowed to assume the presidency.
Public Reactions and Criticism
Babangida’s remorse drew mixed reactions. The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, criticized the statement as belated and insufficient to address the consequences of the annulment. In a statement by Organising Secretary Kole Omololu, Afenifere highlighted the lives lost and the scars left on Nigeria’s democracy, including the assassination of Kudirat Abiola and the persecution of many democracy activists.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, and National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain, Ayo Opadokun, dismissed Babangida’s remarks, stating there was nothing new in his admission.
Former Governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, viewed Babangida’s statement as a healing step, saying Abiola would be “laughing his head off in heaven.” Ex-Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, commended Babangida for his honesty and called for adequate compensation for the Abiola family.
Calls for Justice and Recognition
Afenifere reiterated its demand that all presidential honors be posthumously conferred on Abiola, insisting he must be remembered as Nigeria’s rightful President-elect. Senior lawyers Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Wahab Shittu welcomed Babangida’s remorse and called for forgiveness, alongside proper recognition for the Abiola family.
Reflections on Babangida’s Legacy
At the book launch, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo noted that the June 12 election marked the most challenging chapter of Babangida’s life. Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo warned against the resurgence of military coups in West Africa, while President Bola Tinubu praised Babangida’s contributions to national unity and pledged to make difficult decisions in the nation’s interest.
Business leaders, including Africa’s wealthiest man Aliko Dangote and BUA Group Chairman Abdulsamad Rabiu, donated billions to the IBB Presidential Library project. Dangote pledged N8 billion over four years, while Rabiu committed N5 billion.
Babangida’s autobiography also addresses other significant events in Nigeria’s history, including the 1976 coup that led to Murtala Muhammed’s assassination and the 1986 letter bomb that killed journalist Dele Giwa. Babangida maintained his innocence regarding Giwa’s death, expressing hope that the truth will be uncovered.
As the dust settles on Babangida’s remorse over June 12, pro-democracy groups and citizens alike continue to reflect on its far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s democratic journey.