By Joke Kujenya
NIGERIA’s DEMOCRATIC history, on Thursday, received a strong push as President Bola Tinubu commended former military leader General Ibrahim Babangida for publicly affirming that the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olanbiwoninu Abiola won the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Speaking at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” and the fundraising event for the IBB Presidential Library in Abuja, Tinubu described Babangida’s admission as an act of courage and patriotism.
He said the former leader’s revelation would help set the historical record straight and reinforce the nation’s commitment to truth and justice.
The President noted that Babangida’s confirmation of Abiola’s victory was long overdue, given the political crisis that followed the annulment.
He stressed that preserving Nigeria’s democratic journey was crucial for future generations and lauded institutions like the IBB Library for their role in safeguarding historical records.
“Let me say thank you for everything, for who you are, what you are, and how you have contributed to the history of this great country,” Tinubu stated while addressing Babangida directly.
He emphasised that the nation must learn from its past to build a better future.
For the first time in 32 years, Babangida confirmed that Abiola had secured victory in the election based on collated results before its annulment.
The decision plunged Nigeria into a prolonged political crisis and eventually led to Babangida’s departure from office in August 1993.
Tinubu, who was a senator during Babangida’s administration, recalled how he had previously confronted the former leader for repeatedly delaying the inauguration of elected lawmakers.
He recounted how, despite fears of imprisonment, he had urged Babangida to make history by allowing the democratic process to proceed.
“I confronted you that you had an opportunity to make history that day, and you failed to do it. Why not inaugurate us? Why are you calling us back and postponing the inauguration? They thought I would end up in jail. You came out right at the end of the remark, you shook me. I can’t forget that,” Tinubu recalled to applause from attendees.
The President also praised Babangida’s economic policies, particularly his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s private sector.
He acknowledged that Babangida’s economic liberalisation policies led to the rise of new-generation banks and laid the foundation for private-sector growth in the country.
“Without you, people like me would not be in politics. You said you wanted young, brilliant people in politics. You inspired some of us. Many of the business leaders here today believe in your vision,” he said.
Tinubu also used the occasion to urge Nigerians to focus on nation-building rather than seeking better opportunities abroad. He referenced changes in global migration policies, particularly in the United States and Europe, as indicators that Nigerians should work towards making the country a better place.
“I am glad about what is happening in America and Europe—the contradictions you have seen now. It is telling us to wake up and make Africa a better place, particularly Nigeria,” he said.
Babangida, in his remarks, expressed deep regret over the annulment of the June 12 election, describing it as the most difficult decision of his life.
He admitted that, given another opportunity, he would have handled the situation differently.
“Undoubtedly, credible, free, and fair elections were held 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,” Babangida said.
He acknowledged that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s posthumous recognition of Abiola’s victory and the award of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) to him had helped to correct past mistakes.
The event attracted prominent figures, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo, who delivered the keynote address. Former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma and former Nigerian leaders General Yakubu Gowon and General Abdulsalami Abubakar were also present.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed Babangida’s book, noted that the former leader explicitly stated in his autobiography that Abiola had secured the majority vote and met the constitutional requirements to be declared president.
Osinbajo also stated that with this public acknowledgment, Babangida has taken a step toward addressing one of Nigeria’s most controversial political events, a decision many believe is crucial for national reconciliation and democratic progress.
