Former military leader General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) [/b]has revealed that the late Chief Moshood Abiola was the rightful winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, confirming widespread beliefs that the annulment was unjustified.
According to reports, Babangida made this disclosure in his autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” which was launched in Abuja on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The highly anticipated book offers a detailed account of his tenure as Nigeria’s leader and key moments in the nation’s political history, including the controversial decision to annul the 1993 election.
During the book review, conducted by former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Babangida stated that MKO Abiola, who contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), not only secured the highest number of votes but also met the necessary geographical distribution required to assume the presidency. He explained that despite this clear victory, political pressures led to the annulment of the election results, making it one of the most difficult decisions of his career.
He described the annulment of the June 12 election as the most challenging moment of his life, acknowledging the lasting impact it had on Nigerian democracy. Babangida stated, “There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements.” This public admission has reignited discussions about Nigeria’s democratic struggles and the long-standing demand for justice for Abiola.
He also expressed satisfaction that President Muhammadu Buhari had posthumously recognized Abiola as the rightful winner of the election by conferring upon him the prestigious national title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), an honor traditionally reserved for presidents. Babangida noted that while this recognition was long overdue, it was a step toward acknowledging the democratic will of the people.
Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan has described Ibrahim Babangida as one of Nigeria’s most charismatic leaders. Speaking at the book launch in Abuja, Jonathan praised Babangida for sharing his story through his memoir, emphasizing that Nigeria’s history would be incomplete without his contributions. He lauded Babangida’s ability to influence national affairs and mentor upcoming leaders even after leaving office.
He said, “So, Ibrahim Babangida, as we all know, is one of the most charismatic leaders in this country. He is somebody that, up to date, people go as if they are going on a pilgrimage to consult him. We thank God for giving him that grace and the wisdom to continue to mentor people.”
Jonathan further highlighted Babangida’s role in shaping Nigeria’s development, saying, “In terms of leadership, Nigerians know you have contributed significantly in terms of the infrastructure development of this country and social mobilisation. We cannot write the history of Nigeria without dedicating a reasonable part to your service as the president of Nigeria. You’ve done well!”
He stated that with the book’s launch, the former head of state has made a significant contribution to documenting the country’s rich history. The autobiography is expected to provide critical insights into Nigeria’s past and serve as a resource for future generations interested in understanding the country’s political evolution.