Former Nigerian military head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has revealed that the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election was done without his approval.
General Babangida’s revelation was contained in his autobiography, “A Journey in Service”, which was launched in Abuja on Thursday.
Babangida recounted that he was in Katsina when the annulment of the election won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was announced by the press secretary of his deputy, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu.
He claimed to have had no prior knowledge of the decision, later discovering that General Sani Abacha, then Chief of Defence Staff, had led the forces behind the move.
He described the June 12 election annulment as the most challenging aspect of his life.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” he said.
The annulment of the June 12 election, widely considered one of Nigeria’s fairest, led to significant political unrest and remains a defining moment in the country’s history.
However, Babangida said that he was happy that President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged that Abiola won the election and honoured him with the greatest national title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR, which is for presidents.