IBB EXPRESSES REGRET OVER JUNE 12 ELECTION
Former Nigerian military leader, General Ibrahim Babangida, publicly expressed regret on Thursday over the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, acknowledging that the late Chief MKO Abiola, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), had indeed won the historic poll. Babangida made this admission in the concluding chapter of his autobiography, “A Journey in Service”, which was launched in Abuja on the same day. He referred to the annulment as an “accident of history.”
The former Head of State’s expression of remorse, however, drew mixed reactions from various quarters, including pro-democracy groups, political figures, and prominent Nigerians. Among those who criticized his statement were the Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, the Coalition of Northern Groups, former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba, and human rights lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN). Despite the widespread reactions, the Abiola family remained silent on Babangida’s acknowledgment. Attempts to reach Abiola’s children, including Hafsat Abiola, for comment were unsuccessful.
The June 12, 1993, election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest presidential poll, was won by Abiola, a renowned businessman and politician. However, Babangida, who was then in power, annulled the election results, citing national security concerns.
The annulment triggered massive nationwide protests and political turmoil, ultimately forcing Babangida to step down from office. The crisis also led to a prolonged struggle for the restoration of democracy, which was finally achieved in 1999 with the return to civilian rule.
During the launch of his autobiography and a fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library in Abuja, Babangida acknowledged that the June 12, 1993, election was credible, free, and fair. He noted, however, that the administration responsible for creating a near-perfect electoral system and overseeing the exemplary polls failed to complete the process. Babangida described this failure as a regrettable “accident of history” and stated that the nation deserved an expression of his remorse.
He also speculated that even if Abiola had assumed the presidency, he might have faced elimination, hinting at the volatile political climate of the time.
Babangida’s remarks have reignited discussions about one of Nigeria’s most controversial political decisions and its lasting impact on the country’s democratic journey.
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