Former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has acknowledged that the late Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election but described its annulment as the most difficult decision of his life.
Babangida made this revelation in his autobiography, A Journey in Service, launched in Abuja on Thursday.
At the event, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the book, quoted Babangida as affirming that Abiola, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, met all constitutional requirements, securing both the majority of votes and the necessary geographical spread to be declared president.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” Babangida was quoted as saying.
While reflecting on the annulment, Babangida admitted that it was a defining moment in his career. However, he took solace in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to posthumously honour Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) title, a recognition reserved for Nigerian presidents.
The book also provides insights into major national events, including the 1976 coup that led to the assassination of then-Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, and the 1986 letter bomb that killed investigative journalist, Dele Giwa.
Speaking further on the June 12 annulment, Babangida admitted he would have handled the situation differently if given another chance. He noted that, despite conducting what was widely regarded as Nigeria’s most credible election, his administration could not complete the process due to national security concerns.
“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret,” he said.
“As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch. June 12 happened under my watch—mistakes, oversights, and missteps occurred in quick succession. But as I stated in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.”