Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, on Thursday, expressed regret over the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, acknowledging that MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) won the poll.
In the 12th chapter of his newly launched autobiography, A Journey in Service, unveiled in Abuja, Babangida described the annulment as an “accident of history.” His remarks, however, sparked backlash from pro-democracy groups, Afenifere, the Coalition of Northern Groups, former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and other notable Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the Abiola family remained silent on Babangida’s admission, as calls to his children, including Hafsat Abiola, went unanswered. The June 12, 1993 election is widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, but Babangida annulled the results, citing national security concerns.
The decision led to nationwide protests and political unrest, ultimately forcing Babangida to resign. The struggle for democracy continued, culminating in Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
