By Ayomide Otitoju
Thirty-two years after the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), has, for the first time, acknowledged that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola won the historic poll.
Babangida’s revelation is contained in his newly released 420-page autobiography, A Journey in Service: An Autobiography of Ibrahim Babangida, launched in Abuja on Thursday. The event drew an array of prominent national and continental dignitaries.
In the book, Babangida conceded that Abiola, a widely respected philanthropist and democracy advocate, was the legitimate winner of the election. Reviewing the book, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo remarked that Babangida, often referred to as the “evil genius” and “Maradona” for his political maneuvering, finally addressed the long-standing question about the election’s outcome.
“Although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won, upon further reflection and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results published as an appendix to this book, there is no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 election,” Babangida wrote.
His admission aligns with previous assertions by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who once suggested that if not for “bad belle”—a colloquial Nigerian term for bad blood—Abiola would have rightfully become Nigeria’s president.
The annulment of the June 12 election remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history, sparking decades of debate. Pro-democracy groups such as the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere have persistently demanded justice for Abiola and the South-West region.
In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari took a historic step by officially recognizing June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, replacing the previous May 29 date. This move was intended to honor Abiola and underscore the significance of the election, widely regarded as one of the freest in Nigeria’s history.
The high-profile book launch saw the attendance of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo. President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were also present, alongside top business magnates such as Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Folorunsho Alakija.
While former President Muhammadu Buhari was represented at the event, Obasanjo was conspicuously absent.
More details to follow…
