'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape, former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has publicly admitted that the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The historic admission, contained in Babangida’s newly launched autobiography, “A Journey In Service”, marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, as it addresses one of the most controversial episodes in the nation’s political evolution.
The book launch, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Thursday, was attended by a who’s who of Nigeria’s political elite, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Heads of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo. The event was chaired by Obasanjo, who described the book as a “necessary documentation of Nigeria’s history.”
Background: The June 12 Saga
The June 12, 1993 presidential election is widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. Conducted during Babangida’s military regime, the election saw MKO Abiola, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), secure a landslide victory over his rival, Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC). However, in a move that shocked the nation, Babangida annulled the election, citing alleged irregularities and national security concerns.
The annulment triggered widespread protests, political unrest, and a prolonged struggle for democracy, culminating in Abiola’s arrest and eventual death in custody in 1998. For decades, the annulment remained a dark chapter in Nigeria’s history, with many Nigerians demanding accountability from Babangida and his administration.
Babangida’s Admission: A Long-Awaited Confession
In his autobiography, Babangida finally breaks his silence on the June 12 debacle, acknowledging that Abiola indeed won the election. The former military ruler described the annulment as “the most challenging aspect of my life” and admitted that it was a grave mistake.
“Although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won the election, upon deeper reflection and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results, which are published as an appendix to this book, there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections,” Babangida wrote.
He further described the annulment as a series of “mistakes, oversights, and missteps which happened in quick succession,” adding that the administration’s inability to complete the electoral process was a “tragic irony of history.”
“Undoubtedly credible, free, and fair elections were held 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. That accident of history is most regrettable, and the nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret,” Babangida stated.
Reactions from the Political Class
The admission has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians, with many commending Babangida for finally owning up to his mistakes, while others argue that the confession comes too late.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the book at the launch, described Babangida’s acknowledgment as a “significant step towards healing the wounds of the past.” He noted that the autobiography provides a detailed account of the events leading to the annulment and Babangida’s reflections on his role in the crisis.
President Bola Tinubu, who was a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement that fought against the annulment, praised Babangida for his courage in addressing the issue. “This book is not just a personal story; it is a national history. It reminds us of where we are coming from and the sacrifices made to get to where we are today,” Tinubu said.
A Legacy of Regret and Redemption
Babangida expressed relief that the late Abiola was posthumously honored by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, when he was awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Nigeria’s highest national honor, reserved for presidents. He also reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, acknowledging that his administration’s actions disrupted the nation’s transition to civilian rule but emphasized that the country ultimately overcame the setback.
“We acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive. 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 regime and commitment to progress,” Babangida wrote.
Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions to Babangida’s confession. On Twitter (now X), the hashtag #June12Confession trended for hours, with many Nigerians expressing their views on the development.
@NaijaHistorian tweeted: “IBB’s admission is a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t erase the pain and suffering caused by the annulment. Justice for MKO Abiola and all those who lost their lives fighting for democracy!”
@DemocracyChamp wrote: “Better late than never. Babangida’s confession is a reminder that truth always comes to light, no matter how long it takes.”
Meanwhile, some critics remain skeptical of Babangida’s motives. @TruthSeekerNG commented: “This is just an attempt to rewrite history and polish his legacy. Where was this confession when Abiola was alive and suffering?”
Conclusion
General Babangida’s admission marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history, offering a long-awaited acknowledgment of the truth about the June 12 election. While the confession has been welcomed by many, it also serves as a reminder of the enduring scars left by the annulment and the need for continued efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
As the nation reflects on this historic revelation, one thing is clear: the story of June 12 will forever remain a defining chapter in Nigeria’s quest for democracy and justice.
