Things IBB Didn’t Tell Nigerians
For the past 32 years, former Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida has lived in deep agony. His biggest headache has been how history will judge him over the annulment of the June 12 1993 elections.
He has been desirous of coming out with his own account of what happened, to see if that will mitigate the severity of the issue. Year in, year out, he had promised he will one day write his Memoir and give his own account of why he and his lieutenants stopped Chief MKO Abiola’s victory in 1993.
That was what he sought to do a few days ago when he launched his Memoir. But unfortunately, many say the former military President didn’t sound convincing enough for Nigerians to believe his story. The thrust of his book was simple: I didn’t annul June 12 1993 elections. Abacha did. Many have refused to believe this story. They believe IBB simply annuled Abiola’s elections because he wasn’t ready to leave office. And many of the accounts he gave in his new book ran counter to some of the excuses he gave after the election result was annulled in 1993.
At that time, he spoke about how the election was flawed as a reason for the annulment, but that excuse has since changed. He says the election was Free & Fair. At that time, the story was that it was some of the IBB Boys who put pressure on him to annul the result.
But a few days ago, IBB said it was late Gen. Sanni Abacha that took that decision. And that he the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces was not aware. Many saw this as a funny excuse.
But IBB says he quickly went ahead to accept responsibility as the President. Many people also wondered why IBB had to wait for many of the dramatis personnae of that annulment drama to die, before coming out with his own version. Chief MKO Abiola, the Principal actor is dead. General Sani Abacha who be heaped the blame on, is no more. The INEC Chairman of that period, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, is dead. Abimbola Davis, the Promoter of Association for Better Nigeria (ABN) which went to court is dead. Senator Arthur Nzeribe is also dead. Senator Abraham Adesanya, the Afenifere leader at that time is dead. Ibadan strongman, Chief Lamidi Adebutu is dead. Prof. Omoruyi, the Director of the Centre for Democratic Studies is no longer with us.
There are many people who don’t know that the June 12 election was a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history, and IBB, played a significant role in its outcome. Lets tell you a little, that the election was held on June 12, 1993, and was widely regarded as the most free and fairest in Nigeria’s history, with Chief Moshood Abiola, a Southern Muslim, emerging as the winner.
IBB, who was the military president at the time simply, annuled the election, citing a court order that had been issued to halt the announcement of the results. This decision sparked widespread protests and outrage across the country, with many Nigerians feeling that their voices had been silenced.
IBB’s reasons for annuling the election are still being debated up till now, but he has since claimed that he did so to prevent a second civil war, as he believed that Abiola’s victory would have been met with stiff resistance from certain groups. Many Nigerians view this as a convenient excuse, and believe that IBB’s true motives were more self-serving. He just did not want to leave office. He wanted to transit to a Civilian President.
The aftermath of the annuled election was marked by Violence and unrest, with many protesters killed or injured by security forces. The incident remains a sensitive topic in Nigeria, with many still seeking Justice and Accountability for the events that unfolded.
So why did IBB annul the June 12 election results? According to his Memoir, A Journey in Service, IBB claims he was not directly involved in the annulment, and that it was actually orchestrated by his Chief of Defence Staff, General Sani Abacha.
He said, Abacha and other anti-June 12 forces within the Military were opposed to the election’s outcome, which saw Chief Moshood Abiola emerge as the winner. IBB alleges that he was caught off guard by the annulment, which was announced by his Press Secretary without his knowledge or approval.
Many doubt him. Many believe that IBB’s regime was deeply involved in the annulment. The Association for a Better Nigeria (ABN), a group set up by late Abimbola Davis was linked to IBB’s government. They had filed a lawsuit to stop the election, citing allegations of corruption. Additionally, IBB’s regime had previously manipulated the electoral process, creating and controlling the 2 parties that contested the presidency.
The aftermath of the annulment was marked by widespread protests, violence, and human rights abuses. The international community condemned the annulment, and Nigeria’s reputation suffered significantly.
So what was Abacha’s role in all these? City People gathered that Gen Sani Abacha played a significant role in the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election in Nigeria. Many believe that IBB simply used Abacha as a decoy. According to Ibrahim Babangida, the former Military President, Abacha-led forces were responsible for annuling the election without his knowledge.
Abacha’s actions were widely seen as a power grab, and his regime became notorious for human rights abuses and suppression of opposition.
Abacha’s involvement in the annulment was part of a broader effort to maintain Military control over Nigeria’s government. His regime faced intense opposition from pro-democracy groups, including the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which advocated for the restoration of Moshood Abiola’s mandate as the elected president.
Abacha’s role in the June 12 saga was marked by brutality and repression. His regime was responsible for the arrest, detention, and torture of many pro-democracy activists, including NADECO leaders and journalists. The regime also orchestrated the assassination of several prominent opposition figures, including Kudirat Abiola, Moshood Abiola’s wife.
Overall, Abacha’s role in the June 12 crisis was one of obstruction, repression, and violence, which ultimately led to his downfall and the transition to civilian rule in 1999.
How close was IBB & MKO? They were age long friends IBB and Chief MKO Abiola’s relationship is also complex and multifaceted. While IBB has acknowledged that MKO Abiola won the 1993 presidential election, his actions, particularly the annulment of the election, suggest a more complicated dynamic situation.
IBB has blamed “forces” led by General Sani Abacha for the annulment, but many Nigerians, including MKO Abiola’s family and supporters, hold IBB directly responsible for the outcome.
It’s worth noting that IBB’s relationship with MKO Abiola was not as intimate as his friendship with General Mamman Vatsa, whom he had known since childhood and later executed for alleged coup plotting.
Right now, IBB’s new book, “Journey in Service,” is making waves. The autobiography offers a rare glimpse into the life and times of the former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. According to former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the book is not just a personal account but also a chronicle of Nigeria’s complex history.
The book launch, which took place on 20th February, 2025, brought together influential figures in Nigerian politics and military, including General Yakubu Gowon and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Osinbajo highlighted the significance of the book, saying it sheds new light on Babangida’s persona beyond the myths and labels surrounding him. Former President Buhari was conspicously absent.
Some of the notable revelations in the book include Babangida’s admission that MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election, and his expression of regret over the annulment, stating that if he had to do it again, he’d do it differently.
What has been the general reaction to IBB’s new views? The reaction to IBB’s excuse for annulling the June 12 election has been largely negative. Many Nigerians have expressed skepticism and outrage over his claims that he was forced to annul the election by Northern Emirs and rulers.
Some have pointed out that IBB’s excuse is inconsistent with his previous statements and actions, and that he has a history of making decisions that benefit himself and his allies rather than the Nigerian people.
Others have criticized IBB for trying to shift the blame for his actions onto others, rather than taking responsibility for his role in annulling the election. On social media platforms, many Nigerians have expressed their disappointment and frustration with IBB’s excuse, with some calling it a “weak attempt to rewrite history”.
Kola Abiola, the son of MKO Abiola, has also spoken out about the annulment, stating that his father’s victory was a result of his detribalized nature and his ability to connect with people from all parts of the country.
Why are many people not believing IBB? The question of whether to believe IBB’s account of events is a complex one, revealed a political analyst. While IBB’s Memoir provides a unique perspective on Nigeria’s history, many Nigerians remain skeptical about his claims, especially regarding the June 12 election.
Several factors contribute to this skepticism:
(1) Previous contradictions: IBB’s account has changed over time, leading some to question his credibility.
(2) Lack of transparency: IBB’s regime was known for its secrecy and lack of accountability.
(3) Self-serving narrative: Some argue that IBB’s memoir is an attempt to rewrite history and justify his actions.
(4) Unresolved controversies: Many questions surrounding the June 12 election and IBB’s role in it remain unanswered.
Given these concerns, it’s essential to approach IBB’s account with a critical eye, considering multiple sources and perspectives before forming an opinion.
Those linked to the annulment of the June 12 election include:
Gen Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) himself who was military president between 1985 and 1993, who admitted in his autobiography that MKO Abiola won the poll, but claimed that allowing Abiola to take office would have led to his elimination and potentially a second civil war.
Then Gen. Sani Abacha: A key figure in the military regime, who later imprisoned MKO Abiola for declaring himself president. IBB claims that Abacha-led forces were against Abiola’s presidency.
The Northern Emirs and Rulers have also been accused. IBB alleged that these groups were opposed to Abiola’s presidency, but this claim has been met with skepticism by many Nigerians.
For those who don’t know, June 12, 1993, refers to the presidential election held in Nigeria on that date. The election was significant because it was supposed to mark a transition from military rule to civilian democracy.
The election was contested by 2 main candidates: Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, a businessman and politician from the Southern state of Ogun, and Bashir Tofa, a politician from the northern state of Kano.
MKO Abiola won the election, but the results were annulled by the military regime led by General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB).
The annulment led to widespread protests, violence, and human rights abuses. MKO Abiola was later arrested and imprisoned by the military regime of General Sani Abacha. Abiola died in prison in 1998.
June 12, 1993, is remembered as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy. The election and its annulment are seen as a symbol of the country’s struggle for free and fair elections, and the importance of respecting the will of the people.
In 2018, the Nigerian government officially recognized June 12 as Democracy Day, replacing May 29, which was previously celebrated as Democracy Day. This move was seen as a gesture of recognition for MKO Abiola’s sacrifice and the significance of the June 12 election in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Why did IBB, Abacha & Co. annul the election? What was MKO’s offence? What did he do wrong? Political analysts insist that Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola didn’t exactly do something wrong in the classical sense. However, his actions and decisions led to significant controversy and ultimately, his downfall.
One point of contention was his involvement with the military government. Abiola was a close friend and supporter of General Ibrahim Babangida, who annuled the June 12 election. This association led some to question Abiola’s commitment to Democracy.
Additionally, Abiola’s business dealings and wealth accumulation raised eyebrows. He was a successful entrepreneur with interests in various sectors, including Media Telecommunications, publishing, and agriculture. However, some critics accused him of using his wealth and influence to further his political ambitions.
Abiola’s decision to declare himself President after the annuled election also sparked controversy. Abacha had warned him not to declare himself. But on June 11, 1994, he proclaimed himself President, which led to his arrest and imprisonment by the military government of Abacha.
It’s essential to note that Abiola’s legacy is complex, and opinions about his actions vary widely. While some view him as a champion of democracy, others criticize his Tactics and Associations.
MKO Abiola’s offence, according to the military government at the time, was declaring himself President after the June 12 election was annulled. Specifically:
(1) Treason: Abiola was accused of Treason for declaring himself president, which the military government saw as an attempt to overthrow the existing government.
(2) Inciting Violence: Abiola’s declaration was also seen as an incitement to Violence, as it sparked widespread protests and unrest across the country.
Abiola was arrested on June 23, 1994, and detained until his death on July 7, 1998.
MKO not only paid the supreme price for the anulment, his wife also did. Alhaja Kudirat Abiola played a pivotal role in the June 12 struggle. After the election was annulled, she joined the pro-democracy movements, using her Courage and determination to challenge the military dictators. She was a key figure in sustaining the oil workers’ strike in 1994, which crippled the nation’s economy and weakened the military government.
Kudirat also provided financial support to pro-democracy groups and funded activities that unsettled the military. She visited police stations to secure the release of detained protesters and was a vocal advocate for her husband’s presidential mandate. Her activism came at great personal risk, and she was eventually assassinated on June 4, 1996.
How was she killed? Kudirat Abiola was assassinated on the streets of Lagos on June 4, 1996, in Lagos, Nigeria. She was shot and killed by machine gun fire while in her car. Her driver also lost his life in the attack, but her Personal Assistant, who was with them, survived.
The assassination was allegedly carried out by 6 men on the orders of General Sani Abacha’s regime. The killing was seen as a brutal suppression of opposition to the military government.
In 2012, two men, Hamza Al-Mustapha and Lateef Shofolahan, were sentenced to death for their roles in Kudirat’s murder. However, they were later released on Appeal.
Abiola’s daughter has fired back at IBB over the June 12 election. She said his confession does not erase Injustice suffered by my family.
Hafsat Abiola-Cosletlo, the daughter of late Chief MKO Abiola stated that IBB’s admission that her father won the June 12, 1993 presidential elections does not erase the pain and injustice suffered by her family and Nigerians.
She was r esponding to IBB’s expression of deep regreat over the annulment of the elections, widely regarded as the freest and fairest poll.
The election held on June 12, 1993 was meant to end a decade of military rule, however the Babangida regime annulled the results, triggering nationwide protests and political instability.
The widely acclaimed winner, MKO was later imprisoned and his wife, Kudirat Abiola was assassinated during the struggle for democracy.
Hafsat’s parents MKO and Kudirat Abiola, played key roles in the struggle for democracy and lost their lives.
