Thirty-two years after the controversial annulment of Nigeria’s June 12, 1993, presidential election, former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida has publicly admitted for the first time that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola won the election. This revelation is contained in Babangida’s newly launched autobiography, A Journey in Service: An Autobiography of Ibrahim Babangida, which was presented at an event in Abuja.
This admission marks a historic shift from Babangida’s previous stance and has reignited discussions about the long-standing impact of the annulled election on Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Babangida’s Revelation
In the book, Babangida reflects on the controversial decision to annul the election and admits to errors in judgment. He states:
“Although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won, upon further reflection and a closer examination of all available facts—particularly the detailed election results published in the appendix of this book—it is clear that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections.”
He further explains that Abiola satisfied both of the constitutional requirements for winning the presidency: securing the majority of votes and meeting the geographical spread requirement. According to the detailed results presented in the book, Abiola received 8,128,720 votes, compared to Bashir Tofa’s 5,848,247 votes.
Detailed Election Results
The table below summarizes the voting results from the June 12, 1993, presidential election:
| Candidate | Party | Votes Received | Geographical Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKO Abiola | Social Democratic Party (SDP) | 8,128,720 | Satisfied |
| Bashir Tofa | National Republican Convention (NRC) | 5,848,247 | Did not satisfy |
These results, according to Babangida, confirmed Abiola’s victory beyond any reasonable doubt.
Historical Context: The June 12 Election
The June 12, 1993, election is widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. Abiola, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, ran against Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC). The election was characterized by transparency, widespread participation, and a peaceful voting process.
However, Babangida’s military government annulled the results before they could be officially announced, citing national security concerns. This decision triggered nationwide protests and civil unrest, as many Nigerians saw the annulment as a blatant denial of democracy.
Political Fallout and Abiola’s Imprisonment
In the aftermath of the annulment, Abiola declared himself the rightful president of Nigeria. His declaration and public protests led to his arrest by the regime of General Sani Abacha, who had taken over power following Babangida’s exit.
Abiola spent years in detention without trial, enduring harsh conditions. On July 7, 1998, Abiola died under mysterious circumstances in government custody—a tragic end to his fight for democracy. His death remains a subject of controversy and national mourning to this day.
Public Reactions to Babangida’s Admission
Babangida’s recent admission has drawn mixed reactions from the public, political figures, and civil society groups. Many Nigerians welcomed the admission as a long-overdue acknowledgment of a historical injustice. However, others criticized it as coming too late to provide meaningful justice or closure.
Prominent Reactions:
- Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President of Nigeria and the book’s reviewer, highlighted the significance of Babangida’s admission, describing it as “a step towards historical reconciliation.”
- Afenifere, a socio-political group in the South-West, renewed its demand for justice and reparations for the Yoruba people, who were disproportionately affected by the fallout of the annulled election.
- Pro-democracy groups such as the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) reiterated their calls for official recognition of Abiola as Nigeria’s legitimate president for the June 12 election.
Previous Comments by Olusegun Obasanjo
Babangida’s admission lends credibility to a statement made years earlier by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who had remarked that Abiola’s election victory was thwarted by “bad belle,” a Nigerian slang term for jealousy or ill will. Obasanjo’s comment highlighted the political rivalries and divisions that played a role in the annulment of the election.
Government Efforts to Honor Abiola
In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari took a historic step by moving Nigeria’s Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in honor of MKO Abiola. This move was seen as an official recognition of Abiola’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle and an attempt to heal the wounds caused by the annulment.
During the ceremony commemorating the new Democracy Day, Abiola was posthumously awarded Nigeria’s highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), a title traditionally reserved for sitting presidents.
Event Highlights: Babangida’s Book Launch
The launch of Babangida’s book was attended by an impressive array of dignitaries, underscoring the significance of the event. Among those present were:
- Former Presidents and Heads of State: Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar
- Former Vice Presidents: Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo
- Business Magnates: Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Folorunsho Alakija
- Current Leadership: President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima
Notably absent from the event was former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose relationship with Babangida has often been described as tense. Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo was also spotted among the attendees.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, who played a role in officially honoring Abiola, was represented at the event.
Impact on Nigeria’s Democracy
Babangida’s admission and the continued commemoration of June 12 serve as reminders of Nigeria’s turbulent journey toward democracy. The annulment of the June 12 election exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s political system at the time and highlighted the dangers of military interference in civilian governance.
While some progress has been made in strengthening democratic institutions, many Nigerians believe that more needs to be done to address the lingering effects of the annulment. Calls for electoral transparency, respect for the rule of law, and accountability remain central to Nigeria’s democratic discourse.
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FAQs: Babangida’s Admission and the June 12 Election
1. Why did Babangida annul the June 12 election?
Babangida cited national security concerns as the reason for annulling the election. However, many Nigerians believe that political rivalries and vested interests played a significant role in the decision.
2. What was the significance of MKO Abiola’s victory?
MKO Abiola’s victory was seen as a unifying moment in Nigeria’s history. He won votes across ethnic, religious, and regional lines, demonstrating the possibility of national unity through democracy.
3. How has Nigeria honored Abiola?
In 2018, Nigeria officially recognized June 12 as Democracy Day in honor of Abiola’s contributions. He was also posthumously awarded the title of GCFR, traditionally reserved for presidents.
4. What does Babangida’s admission mean for Nigeria’s history?
Babangida’s admission is seen as a significant step toward historical reconciliation. However, some Nigerians believe that more needs to be done to address the injustices caused by the annulment.
Editor’s Note
The admission by former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida that MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993, election is a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history. While it cannot undo the events of the past, it provides an opportunity for reflection, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to democratic ideals.
As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, the lessons of June 12 remain as relevant today as they were three decades ago. The nation must strive to uphold the principles of free and fair elections, justice, and unity in its pursuit of a stronger democracy.
