President Bola Tinubu has commended former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), for his courage in admitting that the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola won the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, and the fundraising for the IBB Presidential Library, Tinubu described the former leader’s revelation as a significant step in setting the historical record straight.
“I am glad about the revelation of June 12. My General, we will not forget to pray for you. I am here to pay homage and to say thank you for your contributions to this great country,” Tinubu said.
Babangida’s admission, 32 years after the annulled election, reaffirmed what many Nigerians had long believed. The election’s cancellation triggered a major political crisis that ultimately led to Babangida’s exit from power.
Economic Reforms and Political Influence
The President also praised Babangida’s vision in fostering private-sector growth, recalling how his policies paved the way for young professionals to enter politics and business.
“Without you, people like me wouldn’t be in politics. Your progressive vision brought many of us into leadership,” Tinubu noted, acknowledging Babangida’s role in licensing new-generation banks and deregulating the economy.
He reiterated his commitment to making tough decisions to reposition Nigeria’s economy, urging Nigerians to focus their energy on national development.
“I have seen the need to make some difficult decisions for this country. I thank you all for your mandate, patience, and perseverance,” he added.
Babangida Regrets June 12 Annulment
In his remarks, Babangida admitted that annulling the June 12 election was the most difficult decision of his career and expressed regret over how events unfolded.
“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,” he said.
He took full responsibility for all decisions made during his tenure, emphasizing that they were taken in the national interest. He also acknowledged the posthumous recognition given to Abiola by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event attracted key figures from Nigeria’s political and business landscape. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo chaired the event, while former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered the keynote address. Other dignitaries included former Presidents Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Goodluck Jonathan, and former Vice President Namadi Sambo.
The book was reviewed by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who highlighted Babangida’s admission that Abiola won the election with a majority of votes and the required spread across the federation.
With Babangida’s latest revelation, the long-debated history of June 12 takes a clearer shape, reaffirming its significance in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
