I remorse annulling June 12 election, Abiola really gained – Ibrahim Babangida

Former Army President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, also referred to as IBB, has publicly expressed remorse over the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

On the launch of his autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” in Abuja on Thursday, Babangida took full accountability for the cancellation, acknowledging that errors had been made throughout his watch.

He admitted that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, gained the election.

He stated: “I remorse June 12. I settle for full accountability for the selections taken and June 12 occurred below my watch. Errors, missteps occurred in fast successions.”

Babangida’s autobiography additionally sheds gentle on the occasions surrounding the annulment.

In line with Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the ebook, Babangida acknowledged that he was proud of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice to acknowledge Abiola’s victory and honor him with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic title.

Osinbajo stated: “He (IBB) additionally solutions the query whether or not Abiola really gained the June 12 election, and I quote him, ‘though I’m on report to have acknowledged after the election that Abiola could not have gained the election, upon deeper reflection and a better examination of all out there details, notably the detailed election outcomes, that are printed as an appendix to this ebook, there was little question that MKO Abiola gained the June 12 elections.”

June 12 election

The June 12 election was a pivotal second in Nigerian historical past, marking a uncommon occasion of Nigerians uniting throughout ethnic and regional traces to elect a president. Abiola’s victory was well known, however the election was annulled by Babangida’s regime, sparking widespread protests and unrest.

Babangida’s remorse over the annulment is a big acknowledgment of the hurt attributable to his actions. Nevertheless, it additionally raises questions concerning the motivations behind his choice to annul the election and the legacy of his rule.