Former military head of state General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has openly stated that the late Chief Moshood Abiola was the rightful winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Babangida made this revelation in his autobiography, A Journey in Service, which was officially launched in Abuja on Thursday.
During the book launch, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, who reviewed the book, noted that Abiola, who ran under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), not only secured the majority of votes but also met the geographical requirements needed to become president.
Babangida admitted that annulling the election was one of the most difficult decisions of his life.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” he stated.
For years, the annulment of the 1993 election has remained one of the most controversial events in Nigeria’s political history. Many Nigerians believed that the election was one of the fairest in the country’s history. However, Babangida’s government canceled the results, leading to widespread protests and political instability.
Despite the annulment, Abiola continued to push for his mandate, declaring himself the rightful president in 1994. His struggle eventually led to his arrest and detention by the military regime of General Sani Abacha. He died in detention on July 7, 1998.
Babangida also noted in his book that he was pleased when former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honored Abiola with the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), a rank reserved for presidents. This recognition, he said, was a step toward acknowledging the true outcome of the historic election.
