Babangida: Abiola Won June 12 Election, But Annulment Was My Toughest Decision

Babangida Admits Abiola Won June 12 Election, Calls Annulment His Toughest Decision

Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has publicly acknowledged that the late Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election but described its annulment as the hardest decision he ever made.

In his newly released autobiography, A Journey in Service, launched in Abuja on Thursday, Babangida reflected on key moments of his tenure, including the controversial election annulment that shaped Nigeria’s political history.

Speaking at the event, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo shared excerpts from the book, quoting Babangida’s admission that Abiola, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, met all constitutional requirements 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.

Despite this, the former military leader defended the annulment, citing national security concerns.

He, however, expressed relief that former President Muhammadu Buhari later honored Abiola posthumously with the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), a rank reserved for Nigerian presidents.

His book also touches on other historical events, 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.

Reflecting on the annulment, Babangida admitted that if given another opportunity, he would have handled the situation differently.

“Undoubtedly, the elections held on June 12, 1993, were credible, free, and fair,” he stated.

“However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration which devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process.

That accident of history is most regrettable.”

“As the 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 occurred in quick succession.

However, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.”

The annulment of the June 12 election remains one of Nigeria’s most debated political events, shaping the nation’s democratic journey.

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