Ibrahim Babangida, Nigeria’s former military head of state, acknowledged for the first time that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election, three decades after he annulled it. This revelation appears in Babangida’s 420-page autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service: An Autobiography of Ibrahim Babangida,’ launched in Abuja with notable attendees.
Book reviewer and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo noted that Babangida, often referred to as the “evil genius” or “Maradona,” confirmed Abiola’s victory in his book. Babangida stated, “Although I previously suggested Abiola may not have won, upon reflection and examining the detailed election results in this book, it is clear that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections.”
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This admission supports former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s earlier claim that, if not for “bad belle,” Abiola would have become Nigeria’s president. The legitimacy of the 1993 election has long fueled political discourse, with pro-democracy group NADECO and the Afenifere socio-political organization calling for justice for Abiola and the Yoruba people.
As a form of redress, President Muhammadu Buhari moved Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in 2018 to honor Abiola and commemorate one of Nigeria’s freest elections. This day celebrates democratic ideals since the Fourth Republic began 25 years ago.
The book launch attracted prominent figures, including former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo. President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were also present, alongside business moguls like Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Folorunsho Alakija. While former President Muhammadu Buhari was represented, Obasanjo notably did not attend, although Ghana’s former President Nana Akufo-Addo was spotted at the event.
