Former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.), has openly admitted that the June 12, 1993, presidential election was won by the late MKO Abiola.
Babangida made this revelation in his autobiography, A Journey in Service, which was officially unveiled in Abuja on Thursday. According to him, the decision to annul the election was the most difficult of his life.
During the book launch, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo reviewed Babangida’s account, confirming that the former head of state acknowledged Abiola’s victory.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” Babangida admitted.
The retired general confirmed that Abiola, who contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), had met all constitutional criteria, including securing a majority of votes and the necessary geographical spread to be declared president.
Babangida acknowledged that the annulment of the election was a defining moment in his career. However, he expressed some relief in the fact that former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honored Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR)—a title traditionally reserved for Nigerian presidents.
