President Bola Tinubu has commended former military leader, General Ibrahim Babangida, for his courage and patriotism in admitting that the late Chief MKO Abiola won the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election. The President made this statement on Thursday in Abuja during the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” and the fundraising for the IBB Presidential Library Project.
General Babangida, who served as Nigeria’s leader from 1985 to 1993, confirmed for the first time in 32 years that Abiola had won the June 12 election based on collated results. The annulment of the election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, triggered a political crisis and hastened Babangida’s exit from power.
President Tinubu described Babangida’s admission as a significant step toward setting the records straight. He praised the former leader for his contributions to Nigeria’s history and development, stating, “I am glad about the revelation of June 12. My General, we will not forget to pray for you. I listened to you carefully. I am not here to read a speech. I am here to pay homage.”
The President also reflected on Babangida’s progressive policies, which inspired a generation of young leaders, including himself. He thanked Babangida for his foresight in promoting private sector growth and deregulating the economy, which led to the emergence of new-generation banks and transformed Nigeria’s economic landscape.
In his remarks, General Babangida described the annulment of the June 12 election as the most challenging decision of his life. He expressed regret over the incident, stating, “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.”
Babangida also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to posthumously honor Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Nigeria’s highest honor reserved for presidents.
The event, chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, featured a keynote address by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo. Other dignitaries in attendance included former Nigerian leaders General Yakubu Gowon, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and former Vice President Namadi Sambo.
President Tinubu used the occasion to call on Nigerians to focus on building a better future for the country, emphasizing the need to address challenges in global migration laws and make Africa a better place.
The launch of Babangida’s autobiography and the fundraising for the IBB Presidential Library Project highlighted the enduring impact of his leadership and the importance of preserving Nigeria’s history for future generations.
