Former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has admitted that the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Daily News 24 reports that this revelation was made on Thursday during the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, in Abuja, where former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the book at the event, disclosed Babangida’s admission.
READ ALSO: Humphrey Nwosu, key figure in June 12 election, passes away
Osinbajo quoted Babangida as saying that Abiola had met all the constitutional requirements to be declared president. He described the annulment as the most difficult decision of his life. “There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” Osinbajo quoted Babangida as saying.
Babangida had previously defended the annulment, arguing in a 2021 interview that it was necessary for Nigeria’s stability at the time. However, he expressed satisfaction that former President Muhammadu Buhari later recognized Abiola’s victory and posthumously awarded him the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) title.
The event also showcased plans for the establishment of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Presidential Library, with its architectural design prepared by former Vice President Namadi Sambo. Several dignitaries donated funds toward its construction. Former Senator Shehu Sani contributed N5 million, businessman Arthur Eze donated N500 million, BUA Group Chairman Abdulsamad Rabiu pledged N5 billion, while Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote committed to donating N2 billion annually. Other individuals and organizations also made financial contributions.
The book launch was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and attended by notable figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, BUA Group Chairman Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote.
