Three decades after controversially annulling Nigeria’s historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida has made a stunning confession: MKO Abiola, the late billionaire and pro-democracy icon, indeed won.
The revelation comes in Babangida’s 420-page memoir, A Journey in Service: An Autobiography of Ibrahim Babangida, unveiled in Abuja amid a crowd of national and continental dignitaries. In the book, the retired general—often dubbed “the Evil Genius” and “Maradona” for his political maneuverings—finally set the record straight.
“I once doubted it,” Babangida wrote, “but after reviewing the official results, there’s no question—Abiola won.” The appendix of the memoir includes detailed polling figures showing Abiola clinched 8,128,720 votes against Bashir Tofa’s 5,848,247, achieving the required majority and the necessary spread across 28 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
At the book launch, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the memoir, remarked, “Babangida has answered the question that’s haunted this nation for over three decades.”
Despite the admission, Babangida stood by his decision to annul the election, calling it an act of “extreme national interest.”
“As head of the military government, I take full responsibility. Mistakes were made, but every action was driven by the belief that Nigeria’s survival was paramount,” Babangida told the audience.
His confession echoes earlier claims by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who once said that if not for “bad belle” (Nigerian slang for bad blood), Abiola would have been Nigeria’s president.
A Legacy of Betrayal and Bloodshed
The fallout from the annulment plunged Nigeria into chaos. Massive protests erupted. Abiola, buoyed by clear evidence of his victory, declared himself president but was swiftly arrested by the regime of General Sani Abacha, Babangida’s former Chief of Defence Staff. Abiola died in detention under murky circumstances on July 7, 1998, aged 60. His wife, Kudirat, a fierce activist, was assassinated two years earlier.
The path to democracy was fraught with turmoil. After Babangida’s exit in 1993, an interim government led by Ernest Shonekan was overthrown within months by Abacha. It wasn’t until 1999, after Abacha’s sudden death, that General Abdulsalami Abubakar handed over power to a civilian government, with Obasanjo returning as an elected president.
A Long-Overdue Recognition
For years, pro-democracy groups like NADECO and Afenifere demanded justice for Abiola and the Yoruba people. In 2018, then-President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously recognized Abiola as a former head of state and shifted Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12, cementing Abiola’s legacy.
Reflecting on the past, Babangida admitted in his memoir, “June 12 remains the most difficult chapter of my life. If given another chance, I would choose a different path.”
The Book Launch and Who Showed Up
The Abuja book launch saw Nigeria’s political heavyweights in attendance—former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, along with ex-Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo. President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were also present. Billionaires Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Folorunsho Alakija graced the event.
Conspicuously absent? Olusegun Obasanjo.
Interestingly, Babangida played a role in the 1983 coup that brought Buhari to power and orchestrated the 1985 coup that ousted him—a reminder of Nigeria’s complex political chessboard.
Has Justice Truly Been Served?
One thing is certain: Babangida’s confession has reignited debates on accountability, democracy, and the high cost Nigeria paid for a decision made “in national interest.”
Article updated 1 month ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
