President Bola Tinubu on Thursday praised former military president, retired General Ibrahim Babangida, for finally acknowledging that the late Moshood Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Speaking at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, and the fundraising for the IBB Presidential Library Project in Abuja, Tinubu described the former leader’s admission as a vital step toward setting the historical record straight.
Babangida, for the first time in 32 years, confirmed that Abiola emerged victorious in the June 12 election based on collated results. The election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, was annulled by Babangida’s administration, triggering a political crisis and his eventual departure from power.
“I am glad about the revelation of my general,” Tinubu said. “We will not forget to pray for you. I listened to you carefully. I am not here to read a speech. I am here to pay homage. Let me say thank you for everything, for who you are, what you are, and how you have contributed to the history of this great country.”
The president commended Babangida’s role in shaping Nigeria’s development and acknowledged his influence in the nation’s democratic evolution.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his commitment to taking tough decisions to reposition Nigeria’s economy and expressed gratitude to leaders present at the event, including former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon.
Highlighting Babangida’s legacy, Tinubu remarked, “Your Excellency, it is challenging to find the people present here if not because of your personality, character, and impact.”
In his speech, Babangida admitted that annulling the June 12 election was the most challenging decision of his life, expressing regret over how events unfolded.
“Undoubtedly, credible, free, and fair elections were held 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,” Babangida said. “That accident of history is most regrettable. As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch.”
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President and reviewer of the book, highlighted Babangida’s acknowledgment that Abiola scored a majority vote and secured the constitutional spread required to win the presidency.
