Thirty-two years after the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, former Nigerian Head of State Ibrahim Babangida has, for the first time, acknowledged that the late philanthropist and pro-democracy hero, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, won the election.
This revelation is detailed in Babangida’s newly launched 420-page autobiography, A Journey in Service: An Autobiography of Ibrahim Babangida, unveiled on Thursday in Abuja at an event attended by prominent national and continental figures.
The book reviewer, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, highlighted Babangida’s candidness in addressing the long-debated question. Osinbajo remarked that the man often referred to as the “evil genius” and “Maradona” finally provided clarity on Abiola’s victory in the historic June 12 election.
“Although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won the election, upon further reflection, and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results which are published as an appendix to this book, there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections,” Babangida admitted in his book.
Babangida’s acknowledgment aligns with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s earlier assertion that, if not for “bad belle”—a Nigerian slang for bad blood—MKO Abiola would have become Nigeria’s President following the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
The credibility of the June 12 election has remained a contentious topic in Nigeria’s political discourse for decades. Groups like the pro-democracy National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and the regional socio-political organization Afenifere have consistently demanded justice for the perceived “injustice” against Abiola and the Yoruba people of the South-West.
In 2018, as a form of redress, then-President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as Democracy Day, replacing May 29, to honor Abiola and commemorate one of Nigeria’s fairest elections. The day now symbolizes the ideals of democracy since the advent of the Fourth Republic 25 years ago.
The launch of Babangida’s book drew an impressive gathering of distinguished figures, including former Presidents and Heads of State Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, alongside former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and billionaire business leaders such as Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Folorunsho Alakija were also present. Former President Muhammadu Buhari was represented at the event, while Obasanjo’s absence was notably conspicuous.
More to follow…