Former military Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) has admitted that late Chief MKO Abiola won the presidential election on June 12, 1993, but called the annulment the most painful choice of his life.
Babangida made the disclosure in his book, ‘A Journey in Service,’ which was launched in Abuja on Thursday.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was reviewing the book at the event, quoted Babangida as saying that Abiola, who ran on the Social Democratic Party’s platform, met all constitutional requirements for president, including obtaining a majority of votes and the necessary geographical spread.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” Babangida was quoted as saying.
While the annulment of the election remained a defining moment in his career, the former military ruler found solace in the fact that former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously awarded Abiola the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic title, which is reserved for Nigerian presidents only.
The book, which provides insights into crucial periods in the country’s history, also discusses other national problems, such as the 1976 coup attempt that resulted in the killing of then-Head of State Murtala Muhammed and the 1986 letter bomb that killed investigative journalist Dele Giwa.
Reflecting on his decision to annul the June 12 election, largely regarded as the most credible in the country’s history, Babangida said that if given another chance, he would have dealt with the situation differently.
Moshood Abiola, a businessman and politician, won the election, but Babangida nullified the results due to national security concerns.
The former military chief expressed sadness over the annulment, characterizing it as the most painful period of his life.
He said, “Undoubtedly credible, free, and fair elections were held in June, 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. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret.
“As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch.”
He added, “And June 12 happened under my watch; mistakes, oversights, and missteps happened in quick succession, but I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.”
