Ozekhome urges Nigerians to forgive Babangida over June 12 annulment

DDM News

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has called on Nigerians to forgive former military president, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).

Ozekhome was also a victim of the crisis that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1966, presidential election.

He emphasized the need for national reconciliation and healing.

The call for forgiveness follows Babangida’s recent public expression of regret regarding the controversial annulment, Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports.

The annulment has remained a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history for over three decades.

During the launch of his autobiography, A Journey in Service, Babangida admitted that the annulment was his “most regrettable” decision.

The event was held in Abuja on February 20, 2025.

Babangida stated that the June 12, 1993, presidential election was won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

Abiola was the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The election was widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.

The decision to annul the election led to nationwide protests and political instability.

The annulment set Nigeria’s democratic progress back for years.

“I regret June 12,” Babangida said.

“I accept full responsibility for the decisions taken, and June 12 happened under my watch.”

“Mistakes, missteps happened in quick succession,” he added.

Ozekhome praised Babangida’s willingness to admit his mistake.

He described it as a rare show of humility and courage.

Ozekhome noted that acknowledging past wrongs is an essential step toward genuine reconciliation.

He believes national unity can only be achieved through such admissions.

“It takes a man with strong guts and balls to publicly recant his earlier wrongful deeds,” Ozekhome remarked.

“A man who has become repentant, born again, and has seen the face of God can make such admissions.”

Ozekhome has been a long-time advocate for justice and democracy.

He recounted how he personally suffered during the crisis that followed the annulment.

Ozekhome stressed that he understands the pain many Nigerians still feel over the incident.

However, he urged the nation to embrace forgiveness as a way forward.

The annulment of the June 12 election led to severe unrest across Nigeria.

Protests erupted nationwide in response to the decision.

Following the protests, Abiola was arrested by the military regime.

Abiola had declared himself the rightful winner of the election before his arrest.

His eventual death in detention under suspicious circumstances further deepened national wounds.

The scars from this period persist to this day.

Ozekhome’s stance on forgiveness is not universally accepted.

While he believes Babangida’s public admission is a step in the right direction, some groups have demanded a formal apology.

Among them is the Bola Tinubu Support Organisation (BTSO) UK chapter.

The group insists that Babangida must issue an official apology to Nigerians.

“For over three decades, Nigerians have lived with the painful memory of that stolen mandate,” the BTSO stated.

“An official apology from Babangida will go a long way in addressing this historical injustice.”

“It will also foster national healing,” they added.

Despite the differing views, Ozekhome maintains that forgiving Babangida is crucial for Nigeria’s progress.

He believes that holding on to past grievances will hinder the country’s ability to move forward.

Ozekhome argued that Babangida’s acknowledgment of the annulment’s consequences is significant.

He urged Nigerians to focus on strengthening democracy rather than dwelling on historical wrongs.

“Democracy thrives on the ability to learn from history and make amends,” Ozekhome said.

“While we cannot undo the past, we can ensure such a grievous mistake never happens again.”

Babangida’s admission has reignited discussions about the impact of the annulment on Nigeria’s democracy.

Political analysts agree that the incident played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.

It influenced subsequent democratic reforms and political movements.

While Ozekhome strongly advocates for forgiveness, others stress the importance of justice.

Some argue that formal accountability is necessary before reconciliation can occur.

As Nigeria continues to reflect on the events of June 12, the focus remains on healing.

The nation must learn from past errors and foster a democracy that represents the people’s will.

The debate over the annulment and its consequences is unlikely to fade soon.

However, Ozekhome believes Babangida’s acknowledgment provides an opportunity for national dialogue.

He emphasized the importance of justice, reconciliation, and charting a path forward for Nigeria’s democracy.

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