Almost 32 years after annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Nigeria’s former military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, for the first time, on Thursday publicly expressed deep regret over his decision that stopped the declaration of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola as the rightful winner of that poll.
The 1993 annulled presidential election is widely adjudged as the freest, fairest, and most credible poll in annals of Nigeria’s political history.
In his 420-page memoir, General Babangida revealed that forces led by his Chief of Defence Staff, General Sani Abacha, annulled the June 12 election without his authority.
The former Military President said that he was in Katsina when the annulment of the election, won by Chief MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was announced by the press secretary to his second-in-command, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, without his knowledge or permission.
Babangida said he left Abuja for Katsina on June 23, 1993 to commiserate with the Yar’Adua family over the death of their patriarch, Musa Yar’Adua, former Minister of Lagos Affairs and father of Umaru, Nigeria”s late president who died in office in 2007.
In a rare display of national unity, Nigerians in 1993 setting aside ethnic and religious divisions, Nigerians elected Chief MKO Abiola, as their president.
The hope that filled the air of the dawn of a new democratic era was however dimmed when the military government under Babangida abruptly annulled the results, leading to a long struggle for return to democratic rule.
Civil society groups, pro-democracy activists, and ordinary Nigerians demanded the restoration of Abiola’s mandate.
But, General Babangida, who spoke in Abuja at the unveiling of his autobiography, titled, “A Journey in Service,” and the launch of his presidential library, said it was unfortunate that the administration that decided a near-perfect electoral system could not complete the process.
Thursday’s book launch was a high-profile gathering of important personalities including President Bola Tinubu, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and ex-Heads of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The historic event also featured the attendance of international figures, such as former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who delivered the keynote address.
The launch of the autobiography offered a window into the life and times of one of Nigeria’s most influential figures, and the impact of General Babangida’s actions and inactions that have resonated beyond three decades, reshaping Nigeria’s political, economic, and, international standing.
General Babangida declared that “Undoubtedly credible, free and fair elections were held on June 12, 1993. However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process.
“That accident of history is most regrettable; the nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret. As the leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch. And June 12 happened under my watch.”
The former Military leader added that “Mistakes and oversights happened in quick succession. And I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.
“Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret, but Nigeria survived and democracy is still alive, a testament to resilience and commitment to progress.
“This book is part of my personal story of what was national history. I did not travel alone. I undertake the challenging walk of leadership in the company of many patriots.”
General Babangida also explained that his eight-year administration confronted monumental challenges with the administration introducing major reforms that also caused discomfort to Nigerians.
“I have had to contend with these questions all the time. When will you tell your side of the story? Understandably, our period of service is somehow evoked, and rightly so, many questions and stories among our public.
“This book, which chronicles my experiences, decisions, and challenges during our national service, tries to answer some of these questions from my modest perspective.
“My colleagues in Army and I, presided over significant change and turbulent reforms. We confronted monumental challenges in the economy, the polity, foreign affairs, and defence and security of our national life.
“We surmounted obstacles so as to change from the old ways. We encountered unusual obstacles and devised innovative solutions.
“We all thought to leave Nigeria a better place, and we found it after a great personal sacrifice, and in the face of significant challenges.
“I’m deeply aware of the inconveniences and sacrifices the public endure during this period. And I acknowledge and appreciate their resilience and commitment to progress.
“Although the reforms caused inconveniences to our people, we built lasting national institutions, some of which, are still in place today,” he stressed.
