Thirty-two years after his controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Nigeria’s former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, admitted for the first time that the late philanthropist and democratic hero Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola won the election.
The startling revelation was contained in Babangida’s 420-page book titled, ‘A Journey in Service: An Autobiography of Ibrahim Babangida’ which was launched in Abuja on Thursday with continental and national dignitaries in attendance.
The book reviewer, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said the “evil genius” as Babangida is nicknamed answered the question whether Abiola won the June 12 election or not in his book.
“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 wrote in the book.
Babangida said the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election was for “national interest”.
He said if given another opportunity, he would do otherwise.
In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari moved Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in honour of Abiola and to remind all Nigerians of one of the freest elections in the nation’s history.
The day is to celebrate the ideals of democracy since the beginning of the Fourth Republic 25 years ago.
