IBB Finally Admits: Abiola Won June 12 Election

IBB Finally Admits: Abiola Won June 12 Election

Former Nigerian Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has finally set the record straight on the contentious June 12, 1993 presidential election. In his autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” launched in Abuja on February 20, Babangida revealed that late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, also known as MKO Abiola, won the election.

According to Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the book, Babangida expressed conviction that Abiola satisfied all the requirements to be president, having secured the majority of votes and geographical spread. This admission contradicts his initial stance after the election.

Babangida also acknowledged that, given another chance, he would handle the events surrounding the June 12 election differently. The election, which was widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest, was annulled by the military regime, sparking widespread controversy.

Abiola, who contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was up against Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC). The military regime halted the election results, which were being announced by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) led by late Professor Humphrey Nwosu.

In a nod to Abiola’s legacy, Babangida expressed happiness that ex-President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged Abiola’s victory and honored him with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) title, the highest national honor.