JUNE 12: WE ACTED IN ‘EXTREME NATIONAL INTEREST’ – IBB
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Former military president Ibrahim Babangida says the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election was for “national interest”.
IBB, as he is fondly called, was the military president during that election which was widely believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola. The election was annulled without the announcement of a winner.
But 32 years after the election, Babangida said he acted to protect the country’s interest. He said this in Abuja on Thursday during the launch of his autobiography “A Journey in Service”.
“As the leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken by me. And June 12 happened under my watch. Mistakes, oversights, and missteps happen in quick succession but I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in extreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive,” the former military president told the gathering.
‘Deeply’ Regretted
Babangida regretted the annulment of the poll which he said interrupted the return to democratic leadership.
“Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret. But Nigeria survived and democracy is still alive, a testament to our resilience and commitment to progress. This book is part of my personal story with national history,” Babangida added.
The 1993 presidential election which many observers have adjudged as the most credible election in Nigeria’s history has continued to dominate discussions in Nigeria.
Abiola was believed to have won the exercise. Calls for the then-Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate to be declared as the winner of the poll have continued over the years.
To honour Abiola, former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018 shifted Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12.
But on Thursday, ex-Vice President Yemi Osibanjo who reviewed IBB’s book made a striking revelation.
“Although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won the election, upon further reflection, and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results which are published as an appendix to this book, there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections,” Babangida wrote in the 420-page memoir.
Thursday’s event was attended by former presidents, governors – past and present – captains of industry, and other top shots within and outside Nigeria.
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