In a historic revelation, former Military President of Nigeria, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), has publicly admitted that the late Chief MKO Abiola was indeed the rightful winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
This statement was made during the launch of his long-anticipated autobiography, A Journey in Service, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Thursday.
“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret,” Babangida stated. “As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch.”
The confession, coming nearly 31 years after the annulment of the election, has sparked reactions across Nigeria. Among those who responded was Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, who was present at the book launch.
Taking to his verified X account, Obi commended IBB for finally acknowledging Abiola’s victory, describing it as a crucial step toward national healing.
“Lastly, one of the most profound moments of the event was IBB’s admission that Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12 election,” Obi wrote.
“This acknowledgement is a step toward national healing, unity, and progress for our nation. I hope that one day, other key players in Nigeria’s democracy will find the courage to recognize the true winners of past elections, allowing our nation to tell its story with honesty and reflection.”
Obi also highlighted the lessons drawn from the event, emphasizing the decline in Nigeria’s Human Development Index (HDI) compared to other nations that have made significant progress since the early '90s.
He noted that while countries like Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Ghana have moved forward, Nigeria has either stagnated or regressed.
He further praised Ghana’s democratic stability, contrasting it with Nigeria’s electoral system, which, according to him, often fails to reflect the people’s will.
Obi also lauded IBB’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth, particularly in the financial sector, and emphasized the importance of documenting leadership experiences for future generations.
IBB’s confession has reignited discussions about the legacy of the June 12 election and its impact on Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Many believe that his admission could pave the way for more open conversations about past elections and the need for electoral integrity in the country.
With this revelation, will Nigeria finally come to terms with its political history and ensure justice for its democratic heroes? The conversation continues.