VERDICT: MKO Abiola Won Nigerian Presidential Election 1993 – IBB

By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted 20th february, 2025

Nigeria’s former military dictator and Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), in his newly released autobiography simply tiled: ‘A Journey in Service’, acknowledges that Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

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This admission comes 32 years after the controversial annulment of what is widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.

During the book launch in Abuja on Thursday, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the memoir, highlighted Babangida’s reflection on the annulment. Osinbajo quoted Babangida: “There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements.”

In the memoir, IBB, reputedly labelled the ‘evil genius’, reveals that the annulment was executed without his direct authorization. He recounts being in Katsina when his press secretary announced the annulment, a decision he attributes to forces led by then Chief of Defence Staff, General Sani Abacha. Babangida expresses alarm upon learning of the annulment, stating, “I was alarmed and horrified.”

Reflecting on the annulment, Babangida describes it as the most challenging decision of his career. He expresses satisfaction that subsequent administrations have recognized Abiola’s legacy, notably when President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously awarded Abiola the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) honor.

The annulment of the June 12 election led to widespread protests and political unrest in Nigeria. Abiola was later detained by the military government of General Sani Abacha after declaring himself president and died in custody in 1998 under mysterious circumstances.

Babangida’s autobiography provides a detailed account of the events surrounding the annulment, offering insights into the internal dynamics and pressures within the military government during that period.
“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 book.

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In 2018, as a way of acknowledgement, President Muhammadu Buhari moved Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in honour of Abiola and to remind all Nigerians of one of the freest elections in the nation’s history.