Former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has finally admitted that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest.

In his autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” launched in Abuja on Thursday, Babangida reflected on the controversial annulment, expressing regret and taking full responsibility for the decision.

“I regret June 12. I accept full responsibility for the decisions taken, and June 12 happened under my watch. Mistakes, missteps happened in quick succession,” he admitted.

According to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the book, Babangida acknowledged in retrospect that Abiola had indeed won the election.

“Although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won, upon deeper reflection and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results, there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections,” Osinbajo quoted Babangida as saying.

Why June 12 Was Annulled

Babangida, who had previously justified the annulment, claimed that Nigeria was not ready for democracy at the time, and the military feared a potential coup if they handed over power.

“June 12 was accepted by Nigerians as the best election in Nigeria. It was free and fair. But unfortunately, we canceled that election. I used the word ‘unfortunately’ for the first time.

“We were in government and we knew the possible consequences of handing over to a democratic government. We did well that we wanted ours to be the last military coup. To be honest, the situation was not ripe to hand over at the time,” he said.

He further explained that security concerns led to plans for a fresh election six months later in November 1993, but the widespread hostility that followed the annulment derailed the transition process.

To manage the crisis, Babangida set up an Interim National Government (ING) led by Ernest Shonekan, but this was overthrown by General Sani Abacha in November 1993, leading to another military regime.

Recognition of Abiola’s Legacy

Babangida expressed satisfaction that former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honored Abiola with Nigeria’s highest national title, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

The admission and regrets from Babangida add another chapter to the long-running debate over June 12, which has since been recognized as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.