- General Ibrahim Babangida revealed that he annulled the June 12, 1993, presidential poll due to fears that the winner, late Chief MKO Abiola, could be killed, leading to another civil war.
General Ibrahim Babangida, former military president, shed more light on the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election at the launch of his autobiography, “A Journey in Service.” The event, attended by President Bola Tinubu, former presidents, and military leaders, marked the launch of his presidential library.
Babangida acknowledged that Abiola won the election, beating Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC). He took responsibility for the annulment, stating that he underestimated the consequences of the action. However, he claimed that the annulment was orchestrated by forces in his administration led by late General Sani Abacha.
The annulment of the election was a shocking and regrettable moment in Nigeria’s history. Babangida described the situation as delicate, with the military factionalized into rival groups. He believed that Abiola’s presidency would have been opposed by some military elements, leading to a potential civil war.
In his autobiography, Babangida revealed that he had offered Abiola an interim position, but Abiola turned it down. Abiola was convinced that he had won the election and was entitled to the presidency. Babangida acknowledged that his actions led to Abiola’s demise and the eventual takeover by General Sani Abacha.
