Newscenter Media News After 32 years of silence and speculation, former military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida has publicly admitted that late M.K.O. Abiola won the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election—a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.
His revelation, made during the launch of his autobiography, A Journey in Service, in Abuja on Thursday, drew applause from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described it as an act of “unusual courage and patriotism.”
In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu, the Special Guest of Honour, praised Babangida for finally setting the record straight.
“I am glad about the revelation of June 12. My General, we will not forget to pray for you,” Tinubu said. “I listened to you carefully. I am here to pay homage, not to read a speech. Thank you for who you are, what you are, and how you have contributed to the history of this great country.”
The June 12 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was annulled by Babangida’s regime, sparking a national crisis that ultimately forced him out of power. Until now, no sitting or former head of state had openly confirmed Abiola’s victory.
In his speech, Babangida admitted that annulling the election was the toughest decision he ever made.
“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,” he said.
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“The nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret. As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch.”
Despite defending his actions as being in the “supreme national interest”, Babangida acknowledged that the situation could have been handled differently.
Beyond the June 12 controversy, Tinubu highlighted Babangida’s influence in shaping modern Nigeria, particularly his role in opening up the political and economic landscape.
“Without you, people like me would not be in politics,” Tinubu admitted. “You wanted young, brilliant people in politics, and you inspired some of us. Your visionary policies led to the rise of new-generation banks and economic deregulation, which changed Nigeria forever.”
Tinubu, who himself was deeply involved in the pro-democracy struggles that followed the annulment, acknowledged the irony of history—that Babangida, once seen as the architect of Nigeria’s political crisis, was now taking steps to correct the record.
The event drew a powerhouse of African leaders and Nigerian political heavyweights, including:
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (Chairman of the event)
Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo (Keynote Speaker)
Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone
Former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Namadi Sambo
A representative of former President Muhammadu Buhari
In a moment of reflection, Tinubu urged Nigerians to focus on building the nation rather than seeking opportunities abroad, especially in light of changing global migration policies.
“I am glad about what is happening in America and Europe—the contradictions you have seen now. It tells us to wake up and make Africa a better place, particularly this country, Nigeria,” he said.
With Babangida’s long-overdue admission, many will wonder: does this finally bring closure to the June 12 saga? Or does it further highlight the need for deeper reflection on Nigeria’s troubled democratic journey?
For President Tinubu, this moment isn’t just about history, it’s about shaping the future. As he put it:
“Whatever might have happened, we have heard the truth from our dear leader, father, and uncle, General Ibrahim Babangida.”
Now, the question remains: what will Nigeria do with this truth?
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