“June 12 happened under my watch, mistakes, oversights and missteps happened in quick succession”…IBB
By Ayinde Muhammed
Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida has admitted that the late Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election
Babangida who made the revelation in his autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service,’ which was unveiled in Abuja on Thursday described its annulment as the most difficult decision of his life.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who reviewed the book at the event quoted Babangida as saying that Abiola, who contested on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, met all constitutional requirements, including securing the majority of votes and the necessary geographical spread, to be declared president.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” Babangida was quoted as saying.
Babangida noted that while the annulment of the election remained a defining moment in his career, he took solace in the fact that former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honoured Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic title, a recognition reserved for Nigerian presidents.
The former military leader expressed regret over the annulment, describing it the most difficult period of his life.
He said, “Undoubtedly credible, free and fair elections were held in June, on June 12, 1993.
“However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process.
“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret.
“As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch.”
He added, “And June 12 happened under my watch, mistakes, oversights and missteps happened in quick succession, but I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive”
