Yesterday, former military President Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), admitted for the first time in 32 years that Abiola won the election.
He made this declaration at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all living but one of the former presidents or heads of state were present. All three former vice presidents were also in attendance.
The occasion was the twin event of a public presentation of the autobiography of former military President Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) titled “A Journey in Service” and the inauguration of his proposed Presidential Library to be located in his hometown Minna, Niger State.
Gen. Babangida who led the military government between August 27, 1985 and August 27, 1993, explained also for the first time how the election was cancelled by forces led by Gen. Abacha who was then the Chief of Army Staff, without his authorisation.
But he accepted responsibility for the actions taken by his government.
Gen. Babangida described the annulment as a “most regrettable” incident in Nigeria’s history.
He said: “I have had to contend with this question all the time – when will you tell your side of the story?
“Understandably, our period of service has evoked many questions and stories among the public.
“This book, which chronicles my experiences, decisions and challenges, tries to answer some of these questions from my modest perspective.”
Gen. Babangida highlighted the sweeping reforms and significant challenges his government faced, particularly in the economy, foreign affairs, defence and national security.
He noted that despite the sacrifices and inconveniences endured by Nigerians during his tenure, his administration was committed to leaving the country better than it was.
The former leader acknowledged the historic significance of the June 12, 1993, election widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest at the time.
However, he expressed deep regret that his administration, which had designed the electoral system that produced such a credible process, ultimately failed to complete it.
“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.
“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret,” he said.
Not shying away from accepting personal accountability for the decision that led to the annulment, Gen. Babangida said: “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, oversight, and missteps happened in quick succession, but as I state in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.”
