Describes June 12 as the Most Challenging and Painful moment in his Life
- Safiu Kehinde
Former Nigerian Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), has brought an end to the controversies surrounding the June 12, 1993, Presidential election, as he admitted that late Nigerian businessman and politician, Moshood Abiola, won the election
Babangida made admitted this in his autobiography launched on Wednesday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Recall that the annulment of the June 12 election had sparked a chain of events including civil uprisings in Lagos and across Nigeria.
The election, which most Nigerians considered as the freest and fairest election ever conducted in the country, saw Abiola emerging winner.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate had won with over 8.1 million votes to defeat the National Republican Convention (NRC) candidate, Bashir Tofa.
Babangida would, however, annul the election, stirring the unending controversy with Abiola’s assassination making June 12 as a monumental day in Nigeria’s history.
As quoted by former Nigerian Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who presented the book review, Babangida put the controversies to rest as he held that Abiola fulfilled all requirements of the election and indeed won.
“He also answers the question whether Abiola won the June 12 election. And I quote him “although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won the election. Upon deeper reflection and closer examination of all available facts particularly the detailed election results which I published as an appendix to this book, there is no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 election.
“Upon closer examination of the original collated figures from the 110-polling booth nationwide, it was clear that he satisfied the two main constitutional requirements for winning the Presidential election- mainly majority votes and geographical spread.
“Having obtained 8,128,720 votes against Toofah’s 5,848,247 votes and securing the mandatory one-third of the votes cast in 28 states of the Federation, including Abuja, and ratified that the Buhari administration finally recognised him as a former head of state of Nigeria.”Babangida was quoted to have said.
The ex-military head of state futher admitted that the June 12 election is the most challenging and painful moment in his life.
“He concluded in the book, and I quote him “Looking back now, the June 12 saga was undeniably the most challenging moment of my life and in certain respect one of the most painful.” And he went on to admit, “If I had to do it all over again, I will do it differently.”Osinbajo quoted Babangida.
The book launch had in attendance several former military Heads of States, past and present political office holders, and former Presidents from other countries.
Some of the dignitaries present at the event include Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajambiamilia; former President, Goodluck Jonathan; former Vice Presidents, Yemi Osinbanjo and Atiku Abubakar, Sen. George Akume; former Kano state governor, Rabiu Kwanwaso; former military Heads of States, Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar; ex-Sierra Leone President Ernest Koroma, and his Ghanaian counterpart, Nana Akufo-Addo who gave the keynote address.
In his keynote address, Akufo-Addo said he remains confused over the June 12 saga.
“I would gladly state that I am as confused about what is euphemistically called the June 12th saga today as I was 33 years ago.” the ex-Ghana president said.
Also speaking was Gowon who appreciated Babangida for restoring his rank and honour.
“I had a very rough time in government, I was even charged for treason,” Gowon said during the event.
“Later on, President Shagari rescinded that order, and you (IBB) in the end restored my rank and honour. You did quite a lot for the country.” the former Military Head of State said.
Another former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd), lauded Babangida as he reflected on their relationship.
“My relationship with Ibrahim has gone a long way—over 80 years. Ibrahim, I want to thank you again for your friendship and brotherhood. No moment goes by when we remember our escapades without bringing smiles to our faces. May these smiles continue during our twilight,”
In his goodwill message, former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, hailed IBB, labelling him as the one of the most charismatic leaders in the country.
“IBB is one of the most charismatic leaders in this country.
“To date, people visit him for advice as if they are going for pilgrimage. We thank God for giving you that grace and wisdom to continue to mentor people,” Jonathan hails IBB on book launch.” Jonathan said.