Thirty-two years after controversially annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election, former Nigerian Head of State Ibrahim Babangida has for the first time admitted that the late philanthropist and democratic hero, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, won the election.
This surprising admission was made in Babangida’s 420-page autobiography, *A Journey in Service: An Autobiography of Ibrahim Babangida*, launched in Abuja on Thursday, with several continental and national dignitaries in attendance.
The book’s reviewer, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, highlighted how Babangida, often referred to as the “evil genius” or “Maradona,” addressed the long-debated question of whether Abiola won the June 12 election.
In his book, Babangida admitted, “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’s confession supports earlier statements by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who remarked that MKO Abiola would have become Nigeria’s president had it not been for personal animosities.
The legitimacy of the June 12, 1993, election has been a subject of political debate for years, with pro-democracy groups like the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and the Afenifere movement demanding justice for Abiola and the Yoruba people of the South-West.
As a form of redress, President Muhammadu Buhari moved Nigeria’s Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in 2018, honoring Abiola and recognizing the historic significance of the election.
The day is now celebrated to highlight the ideals of democracy since the start of the Fourth Republic 25 years ago.
The book launch was attended by several prominent figures, including former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo.
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were also present, along with prominent business figures like Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Folorunsho Alakija. Former President Muhammadu Buhari was represented at the event, but former President Obasanjo was notably absent.
