Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, on Thursday, expressed regret over the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, acknowledging that the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, MKO Abiola, won the poll.

In the concluding section of the 12th chapter of his autobiography launched Thursday in Abuja, titled, ‘A Journey In Service,’ the former leader described the annulment of the election as an “accident of history.”

His remorse, however, attracted knocks and reactions from various individuals and pro-democracy groups, including the Afenifere, Coalition of Northern Groups, former Ogun State governor, Segun Osoba, Mike Ozhekome (SAN), and other prominent Nigerians.

However, the Abiola family was silent on IBB’s admission. Calls to Abiola’s children, including Hafsat and others, did not elicit any response.

The June 12, 1993, election, won by the businessman and politician, Abiola, was considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest.

However, Babangida annulled the results, citing concerns over national security.

The annulment sparked nationwide protests and political unrest, forcing Babangida to resign and leading to a prolonged struggle for democracy before the return to civilian rule in 1999.

Admitting his error, the ex-military leader said, “Although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won the election, upon deeper reflection and a closer examination of all the available facts, particularly the detailed election results…there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 election.

“Upon closer examination of the original collated figures from the 110,000 polling booths nationwide, it was clear that he satisfied the two main constitutional requirements for winning the presidential elections, mainly majority votes and geographical spread, having obtained 8,128,720 votes against Tofa’s 5,848,247 votes and securing the mandatory one-third of the votes cast in 28 states of the federation, including Abuja.”

Nonetheless, Babangida noted that Abiola would have been eliminated all the same had he assumed the Presidency.

“Unfortunately, the forces gathered against him after the June 12 elections were so formidable that I was convinced that if he became President, he would be quickly eliminated by the same very forces who pretended to be his friends,” he added.

Speaking at the official launch of his autobiography and fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library in Abuja, Babangida acknowledged that credible, free and fair elections occurred on June 12, 1993.

He observed, however, that the administration responsible for creating a near-perfect electoral system and overseeing those exemplary elections could not finalise the process.

He described this shortfall as a lamentable “accident of history” while noting that the nation was justifiably owed an expression of his remorse.

“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,” said Babangida.

Accepting full responsibility for all decisions made during his leadership of the military government, the former Nigerian leader further noted that the events of June 12 unfolded on his watch, with errors, oversights and misjudgements occurring rapidly.

Nevertheless, he maintained that each action was taken in the overriding interest of Nigeria’s survival.

He also expressed regret that the country’s democratic progress was interrupted, yet emphasised that both Nigeria and its democracy endure.

“As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch. 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.

“Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact I deeply regret. But Nigeria’s democracy is still alive, a testament to commitment,” he noted.

While reviewing the book, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo revealed that Babangida found the 1993 election arguably the most challenging chapter of his life.

“The June 12 elections were the most challenging of my life. If I have to do it all over again, I’ll do it differently,” Osinbajo said, quoting a section from the book.

The former vice president also quoted Babangida in the book as thanking former President Muhammadu Buhari for honouring MKO Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, the highest rank of the president of the country.

The book, which offers insights into key moments in the country’s history, also addresses other national controversies, including the 1976 coup attempt that led to the assassination of then-Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, and the 1986 letter bomb that killed investigative journalist, Dele Giwa.

While denying any involvement in Dele Giwa’s death, Babangida said he expected the truth to be unravelled one day.

He said, “The Giwa, like all mysterious murders, has remained unsolved after so many years. I keep hoping it will be uncovered in our lifetime or after us. More often than not, mysterious crimes are solved long after their commission.

“When the Obasanjo civilian administration reopened the Giwa case at the Oputa Panel on Human and Civil Rights, I expected that the police and lawyers would come forward with new evidence as to their findings on the Giwa murder over the years. Nothing of such happened.”

The IBB book launch drew an elite gathering of past and present leaders who reflected on his legacy and the state of democracy in West Africa.

Discussions ranged from Babangida’s contributions to Nigeria’s political history to concerns over the resurgence of military coups in the region.

In his keynote address, former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo emphasised the importance of multi-party democracy in Africa’s development.

He warned against the growing wave of military takeovers, calling them a setback to democratic progress.

“Multiple parties are good for our continent,” Akufo-Addo said, urging leaders to protect democratic institutions.

President Bola Tinubu praised the former leader for his “unparalleled contributions to national unity and economic growth.”

Tinubu pledged, as President, to continue making decisions—no matter how difficult—in the supreme interest of the nation, following the example set by Babangida.

“I’m glad about the revelation on June 12…I’m not here to read a speech; I’m here to pay homage and say thank you for everything, for who you are, what you are, and what you have contributed to the history of this great country.

“All I can promise as the President is to strive to do the best, put the best forward, and make decisions, no matter how difficult they are, in the interest of the country.

“You have done so, and you have laid the example. Thank you very much,” he stated.

Former Nigerian Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon (retd.), lauded Babangida’s rise from aide-de-camp to head of state, describing him as a “boss of bosses.”

Gowon also expressed gratitude for Babangida’s decision to restore his rank of General after it was stripped following the 1976 coup.

The former head of state said, “Thank you for restoring my rank,” reflecting on how Babangida’s leadership impacted his life.

Another former military head of state, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, shared personal anecdotes about his long-standing relationship with Babangida which, he said, spans over 80 years.

Abubakar recalled a childhood prophecy foretold Babangida’s rise to power and commended him for documenting his life’s journey.

“Your memoir will enrich the country,” he stated.

For his part, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Babangida as one of Nigeria’s most charismatic leaders and called for the creation of presidential libraries to preserve the country’s political history.

“IBB brought us here today to celebrate his book and library. His home has become somewhat of a pilgrimage site,” Jonathan noted.

Representing immediate-past President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Minister of Transportation, Jaji Sambo, delivered a congratulatory message, expressing hope that Babangida would continue offering valuable counsel to Nigeria’s leadership.

Reacting to IBB’s admission on the June 12, 1993 election, the pan-Yoruba political organisation, Afenifere, described it as belated and insufficient to address its far-reaching consequences.

In a statement by its Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, the group asserted that Babangida’s acknowledgement of the election’s credibility did not absolve him or his associates of the monumental and irreversible damage caused by the annulment.

“His belated acknowledgement that the election was indisputably free, fair, and credible merely reaffirms what Nigerians have known for over three decades—that Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was the rightful winner of that historic election,” Omololu said.

“However, this long-overdue confession cannot exonerate Babangida and his associates from the monumental betrayal inflicted upon the nation.

“It does not restore the lives lost, nor does it atone for the enduring scars of oppression, bloodshed, and the suppression of democracy. The consequences of that reckless annulment remain irreversible.

“The Yoruba nation, and indeed all Nigerians, bore the brunt of Babangida’s self-serving power grab. His decision plunged the country into chaos and ushered in an era of state-sponsored terror against democracy activists, pro-democracy media, and innocent citizens who dared to demand justice,” it stated.

The group pointed to the monumental consequences of IBB’s annulment, including the assassination of Kudirat Abiola, the cold-blooded murder of Alfred Rewane, and the relentless persecution of Pa Abraham Adesanya, among others, which it said, remained an indelible stain on Nigeria’s conscience.

“Many distinguished Yoruba sons and daughters suffered grave injustices—exiled, imprisoned, or tragically eliminated—under the despotic military regimes of Babangida and Abacha, which were determined to silence the will of the people,” it added.

Afenifere reiterated its demand that all privileges and recognitions befitting a legitimately elected President be conferred on the late MKO Abiola.9

The group also emphasised that his family should be accorded the honour and recognition deserved by a leader whose mandate was unjustly stolen.

“We reiterate our unequivocal demand that his (Abiola’s) name must be inscribed in the annals of Nigeria’s history, not as a mere political casualty but as the rightful President-elect who was denied the opportunity to serve.

“Anything short of this remains a continued affront to justice and historical truth.

“Afenifere salutes MKO Abiola as a towering symbol of courage, a visionary whose unwavering commitment to democracy was matched only by his willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for the emancipation of his people.

“Babangida’s so-called remorse rings hollow, for true atonement is measured not by words but by actions. His admission, far from being redemptive, serves only as a reminder of the grievous wrongs that remain unaddressed,” Afenifere said.

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, waived off IBB’s remorse, stating that he said nothing new.

Falae, who recalled how he was incarcerated for two years for fighting to uphold Abiola’s mandate, stated, “We formed NADECO to fight for the fact that Abiola won the election and should be declared president. I was detained for two years for fighting that cause.

“We gave the military an ultimatum to hand over Abiola’s mandate, but they started arresting us. I was kept in detention for two years. What he said is nothing new—we have always known and believed that Abiola won the election.”

A chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition, Ayo Opadokun, also dismissed the ex-Nigerian leader’s admission, describing it as unsurprising.

According to Opadokun, it was already evident to him and many Nigerians that Abiola won the election.

Speaking on the consequences of Babangida’s decision, Opadokun said he was more interested in reading Babangida’s autobiography to understand the circumstances the former president claimed led to the annulment of the historic election.

“The fact that he admitted that Abiola won the election does not bring any new revelation. We had the documents immediately after the election; we knew that Abiola won,” Opadokun said.

“What matters now is the context of his admission. I want to read the book and see what Babangida is admitting and in what context. I watched him express regret over annulling the election, but that no longer holds any significance to me because of the monumental consequences of his actions, consequences that he is now regretting 32 years later,” he noted.

But the Coalition of Northern Groups praised the former military leader for having the courage to own up to his faults over the annulment of the June 12 presidential election.

The CNG, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, described Babangida as an exemplary leader who distinguished himself by taking responsibility for his decision.

“It clearly shows that IBB is an exemplary leader who distinguished himself from so-called leaders who shy away from taking responsibility for decisions made by their cabinet,” Charanchi said.

He also noted that Babangida’s statement reaffirmed his commitment to the unity and progress of the country.

Charanchi said, “It clearly shows that IBB is an exemplary leader who distinguished himself from the so-called leaders that shy away from taking responsibility for the decisions taken by their cabinet.

“It equally reaffirms his commitment to the unity and progress of the country, and we believe that they took the decision for the best interest of the country, he is a true and patriotic leader who leads with a philosophy of messengers of God.”

Former governor of Ogun State, Osoba, said Abiola would be “laughing his head off in heaven” following the confession by the former military president.

Osoba said he had always been a firm believer that time heals every situation.

He said, “Time is healing the wounds of the situation created by the military regime. On my part, I keep thanking God for the life of MKO Abiola whom I work for to win the June 12 election. Even the man himself will be happy in heaven now.

“He has left a legacy by paying the supreme price for the democracy we are enjoying today. So what is more important to me is the legacy he left behind.”

On whether he is certain time will indeed heal all the anger, trauma and deaths recorded in the wake of the annulment, Osoba responded, “I am not a prophet. I should not be guessing for anybody (on how they feel). As far as I am concerned, God is working His wonders.

“You know we were all friends. All of us, including Babangida, myself, MKO Abiola and those who were involved in the whole thing. We were all deeply close. So, as I said, MKO will be in heaven laughing at all of us and enjoying the whole thing.”

Former Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, commended Babangida for admitting that Abiola won the election and expressing regrets for annulling it.

In an interview in Jos, on Thursday, Jang praised Babangida’s honesty, stating, “I want to thank Babangida for owning up to that fact of what he did and it shows we are making progress as a country where we can tell ourselves the truth.”

Jang believed Babangida’s admission would help heal old wounds, saying, “I believe that will finally close some wounds that have long been open.”

The former governor also emphasised that the government should provide adequate compensation to the family of MKO Abiola, considering the government’s continuity.

“Since the government is a continuum, the MKO family should be adequately compensated,” Jang, who spoke through his Media Consultant, Clinton Garuba, said.

Speaking on the development, Ozekhome (SAN), said, I have read and listened carefully to General Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida’s remorse and regret over the annulment of the 1993 presidential elections.

“I want to very quickly say that it takes a man with strong guts and a man who has become born again and has seen the face of God to publicly recount his earlier deed and offer apologies to the entire nation to heal and mend wounded hearts.

“I want to salute Babangida for owning up like a man that everything that happened during the June 12 crisis happened under him as the head of state and the president. He was also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“I salute him for acknowledging that his government held unarguably the freest, fairest and most credible election in the electoral calendar in the electoral history of Nigeria which introduced option A4 from electoral books that were never known to Nigeria or the world.

“I believe that Nigerians should forgive him because to err is human and to forgive is divine. I personally have now forgiven him, because the June 12 crisis threw up all manner of challenges where, in my very youth, in my thirties, I found myself marching on the street of Lagos every day from Ikeja bus stop roundabout to Ikorodu road, up to Tejuosho market from there to Surulere to Mushin to Shomolu. Every day we were on the streets protesting the annulment.”

Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wahab Shittu, welcomed the public expression of regret by the former military leader,  saying it was a necessary admission that a grave injustice had been done to the Nigerian nation.

“That is an admission that, at some point in time, a wrong was committed against the Nigerian nation, against our democracy. Having expressed his regret, he should be forgiven, and the Abiola family should be compensated,” Shittu said.

A former President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Malachy Ugwummadu, said Babangida’s regret over the June 12 annulment “was good for the health and sanity of the country to find closure.”

He expressed concerns over the narrative presented in the book and the General’s apology, saying it was a failed attempt to rewrite the history of Nigeria.

At the book presentation, the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, praised Babangida for implementing policies that liberated the private sector in Nigeria during his regime.

Africa’s wealthiest man donated N8bn to the IBB Presidential Library, to be paid at N2bn annually over the four years allocated for the project’s completion.

He further pledged that if the project extends beyond this timeframe, he would continue to donate N2bn annually until it is finished.