Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida fondly referred to as IBB, on Thursday, expressed regret over the annulment of the June 12,
Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida fondly referred to as IBB, on Thursday, expressed regret over the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, describing it as the most difficult period of his life.
Babangida said this at the official launch of his memoir, A Journey in Service, in Abuja.
He said, “Undoubtedly credible, free and fair elections were held in June, on June 12, 1993. However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process.
“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret. As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch.”
He added, “And June 12 happened under my watch, mistakes, oversights and missteps happened in quick succession, but I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive. Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret. But Nigeria and democracy is still alive, a testament to commitment.”
The book, which offers insights into key moments in the country’s history, also addresses other national controversies, including the 1976 coup attempt that led to the assassination of then-Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, and the 1986 letter bomb that killed investigative journalist, Dele Giwa.
Reflecting on his decision to annul the June 12 election, Babangida admitted that if given another chance, he would have handled the situation differently.
The June 12 election, won by businessman and politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, is considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.
However, Babangida annulled the results, citing concerns over national security.
This sparked widespread protests and political unrest nationwide at the time.
The annulment eventually led to Babangida’s resignation and a prolonged struggle for democracy in Nigeria, culminating in the return to civilian rule in 1999.
In his keynote address, former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo emphasised the importance of multi-party democracy in Africa’s development.
He warned against the growing wave of military takeovers, calling them a setback to democratic progress.
“Multiple parties are good for our continent,” Akufo-Addo said, urging leaders to protect democratic institutions.
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), lauded Babangida’s rise from aide-de-camp to head of state, describing him as a boss of bosses. Gowon also expressed gratitude for Babangida’s decision to restore his rank of General after it was stripped following the 1976 coup.
Meanwhile, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, another former military president, shared personal anecdotes about his long-standing relationship with Babangida, which, he said, spans over 80 years.
Abdulsalami recalled a childhood prophecy that foretold Babangida’s rise to power and commended him for documenting his life’s journey.
“Your memoir will enrich the country,” Abdulsalami stated.
For his part, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Babangida as one of Nigeria’s most charismatic leaders and called for the creation of presidential libraries to preserve the country’s political history.
“IBB brought us here today to celebrate his book and library. His home has become somewhat of a pilgrimage site,” Jonathan noted.
Representing immediate-past President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Minister of Transportation, Jaji Sambo, delivered a congratulatory message, expressing hope that Babangida would continue offering valuable counsel to Nigeria’s leadership.
Various dignitaries and businessmen such as the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, launched the book with N8 billion and N5 billion each.
Dangote pledged to donate N2 billion annually for four years for the construction of the IBB Presidential Library.
Meanwhile, Senator Sani Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District, donated N250 million; the Fidelity Bank leadership launched the book with N150 million, while businessman Arthur Eze donated N500 million.
