The Bola Tinubu Support Organisation’s UK chapter has demanded a public apology from former military president General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (retd.) for the annulled presidential elections on June 12, 1993.
The group made the demand in a statement issued on Friday by its head of media and publicity, Mr. Muyiwa Adeliyi.
Adeliyi criticized Babangida for annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest. Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola won the election.
Adeliyi’s demand follows the former head of state’s admission in his autobiography that Abiola won the election.
Babangida stated, “I have no doubt he won the election.” His comment has reignited national debate.
Adeliyi described the former military leader’s remarks during his book launch on Thursday in Abuja, “a step in the right direction but wholly inadequate.”
He insisted an official apology was necessary to address the injustice.
“For over three decades, Nigerians have lived with the painful memory of that stolen mandate,” Adeliyi said. “General Babangida must go beyond mere words.
“The honorable course of action is an unreserved, public apology.
“Anything less fails to acknowledge the suffering endured by Abiola and the Nigerian people,” he said.
Adeliyi mentioned that the election annulment on June 23, 1993, remains one of Nigeria’s gravest political missteps.
According to him, it triggered protests, international condemnation, and prolonged political instability.
Abiola was later arrested while fighting to reclaim his mandate, which ended tragically with his death in 1998, deepening national wounds and resentment.
Many Nigerians in the diaspora believe Babangida’s recent admission is insufficient.
“True reconciliation requires more than acknowledging past mistakes.
“A formal apology would help heal national wounds. Babangida must fully account for the consequences of his decision,” Adeliyi said.
He also urged the National Assembly to intervene, adding that a televised public apology and reparations for Abiola’s family would not be out of place.
“His widow, Kudirat Abiola, was assassinated in 1996 while campaigning for democracy. Her death remains a painful reminder of the struggle for justice.
“These demands are necessary for healing. Babangida must seize this opportunity to do the right thing.
“History will judge leaders not just by their actions but by their willingness to make amends.
“Babangida must apologize to Nigerians. His admission has reopened old wounds but offers Nigeria a chance to confront its past,” he said.
