By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday recounted how he once confronted former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida, accusing him of failing to make history by annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Tinubu made the revelation at a book launch in honor of Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993 and is widely remembered for nullifying the election believed to have been won by the late businessman, Moshood Abiola.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu recalled his time as a senator representing Lagos West in 1992, during Babangida’s administration. He disclosed how he challenged the former head of state for repeatedly postponing the inauguration of elected officials.
“I confronted you 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?” Tinubu stated, adding that he feared imprisonment for his boldness at the time.
“They thought I would end up in jail. You came out right at the end of the remark, you shook me. I can’t forget that,” the president said to applause from the audience.
Despite his criticism, Tinubu also praised Babangida for his role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, acknowledging his influence in bringing young and intelligent individuals into governance.
“Without you, people like me wouldn’t be in politics. Your progressive revolution to bring young, brilliant people into politics inspired some of us,” Tinubu said.
In response, Babangida provided insight into his controversial decision to annul the June 12 election, stating that his actions were taken in the country’s best interest, 32 years after the historic event.
