Babangida Finally Admits MKO Abiola Won June 12, 1993 Presidential Election
By, Abdulwahab Muhammad, Bauchi.
Three decades after the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has publicly admitted that the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola was the rightful winner of the poll.
Babangida’s acknowledgment is documented in his newly launched autobiography, A Journey in Service, unveiled in Abuja on Thursday. Reviewing the book at the event, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, highlighted Babangida’s admission that Abiola, who contested under the now-defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), secured the majority of votes and the required geographical spread to emerge as president.
Quoting Babangida, Osinbajo said: “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 published as an appendix to this book—there is no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 election.”
Babangida also described the annulment of the election as the most difficult decision of his career. He, however, expressed relief that former President Muhammadu Buhari later recognized Abiola’s victory and posthumously awarded him the nation’s highest honor, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), traditionally reserved for presidents.
The book launch, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and attended by prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former Heads of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo.
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