••Former Military President Reveals Details in New Autobiography
By Suleiman Ibrahim.
Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida has made a startling revelation about the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely considered the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. In his newly released autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” Babangida claims that the annulment was orchestrated by forces led by then-Chief of Defence Staff, Sani Abacha, without his knowledge or approval.
Babangida, who had previously taken responsibility for the annulment, now states that he was in Katsina when the announcement was made. He recalls giving a direct order to the National Electoral Commission (NEC) chairman, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, to proceed with the election despite rising tensions. However, Nwosu abruptly halted the announcement of results, an action Babangida insists he was unaware of.
According to Babangida, the annulment announcement, read by Admiral Augustus Aikhomu’s press secretary, Nduka Irabor, was made from a scrap of paper without the presidential seal or official letterhead. He describes being “alarmed and horrified” by the development.
While acknowledging that annulment had been discussed as one of several options, Babangida insists it was never meant to be executed in the manner it was. He expresses regret for the way the situation unfolded, stating, “These nefarious ‘inside’ forces opposed to the elections have outflanked me!”
Babangida’s revelation sheds new light on the events surrounding the annulment of the June 12 election, which continues to be a sensitive issue in Nigeria’s political history. His claims implicate Abacha, who later seized power and ruled as military head of state, as the key figure behind the annulment.
This new information is likely to spark further debate and discussion about the annulment and its implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
