Babangida launches memoir, admits Abiola won 1993 election

DDM News

Former Nigerian Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, officially launched his memoir, A Journey in Service, on Thursday in Abuja.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports that The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, attracted influential past and present leaders who examined his legacy.

They deliberated on the state of democracy in West Africa.

Distinguished personalities, including former Nigerian presidents, military leaders, and statesmen, attended the book presentation.

Discussions centered on Babangida’s impact on Nigeria’s political history and his administration’s decisions.

Concerns about the increasing frequency of military coups in the West African region were also discussed.

During the event, Babangida publicly acknowledged that M.K.O. Abiola won the 1993 presidential election.

His regime annulled the election, sparking widespread controversy.

This admission reignited conversations about Nigeria’s democratic struggles and the consequences of that controversial decision.

Many political analysts argued that the annulment set the country’s democracy back several years.

It led to a period of prolonged military rule before the return to civilian governance in 1999.

A notable absence at the event was Dele Momodu, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Momodu, a journalist and publisher of Ovation magazine, revealed he was invited but could not attend.

He was outside the country at the time.

Reflecting on his past interactions with Babangida, Momodu recalled being arrested for protesting against the annulment.

Despite the ordeal, he emphasized that he had long chosen to forgive Babangida

He cited his Christian faith as the reason.

“For me, I have forgiven him (General Ibrahim Babangida),” Momodu stated.

“We have met a couple of times, and I am friends with his family.”

“His wife had always liked me because of the exclusive stories I wrote about them.”

Momodu elaborated on his past connections with Babangida’s family.

He recalled covering exclusive stories about them during their time in power.

Before their last child was born in Dodan Barracks, he wrote an exclusive piece about Maryam Babangida.

He detailed how she exercised during pregnancy.

He also highlighted his close relationship with Aisha Babangida, the former leader’s daughter.

He described her as a good friend with whom he frequently communicates.

Momodu disclosed that he had always advised Aisha on an important matter.

He suggested that her father needed to offer a public apology for the annulment.

According to him, such an apology would help heal Nigeria’s political wounds.

The memoir launch stirred mixed reactions across political circles and among Nigerians.

Some commended Babangida for admitting that Abiola won the election.

Others felt the revelation came too late.

Critics argued that an admission without an apology does little to address historical injustices.

The annulment caused lasting consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.

Political analysts noted that Babangida’s statement, while significant, does not undo the effects of the annulment.

The decision led to political unrest, including mass protests and military crackdowns.

Observers insisted that an official apology would serve as a better step toward national reconciliation.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with democratic challenges, discussions from the memoir launch remain relevant.

Electoral transparency and military intervention in governance remain pressing concerns.

The conversations sparked by Babangida’s memoir highlight the country’s turbulent political past.

Many believe that reflecting on history is essential for shaping a better democratic future.

The launch of A Journey in Service has rekindled public discourse on Babangida’s role in Nigeria’s politics.

The importance of accountability in leadership remains a major talking point.

Whether his admission will lead to further revelations or an eventual apology remains uncertain.

However, it is clear that the events of 1993 still hold a significant place in Nigeria’s political consciousness.

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