Ibrahim Babangida Admits: "MKO Abiola Won the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election"

In a historic revelation, former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has finally admitted that the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola was the rightful winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. This groundbreaking disclosure, featured in Babangida's newly released autobiography, A Journey in Service, has reignited discussions about Nigeria’s most controversial election and its impact on the nation's democracy.

The June 12 Election: Nigeria’s Fairest Yet Most Controversial Poll

The June 12, 1993, presidential election remains widely regarded as the most transparent and credible election in Nigeria’s history. MKO Abiola, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, faced off against Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC). Despite the smooth electoral process and overwhelming public support for Abiola, the Babangida-led military government shockingly annulled the results, plunging Nigeria into one of its darkest political crises.

Babangida's Unprecedented Confession

At the official launch of his autobiography in Abuja on February 20, 2025, Babangida made a startling admission, acknowledging Abiola’s clear victory in the election. Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the book, quoted Babangida as stating:

"Although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won, upon deeper reflection and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results... there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections." (Daily Trust)

This marks the first time Babangida has publicly conceded that Abiola was the legitimate winner, over 30 years after the annulment.

The Fallout: Why Was the Election Annulled?

The annulment of the June 12 election triggered massive nationwide protests, civil unrest, and international condemnation. Babangida has long defended the decision, citing national security concerns, but his recent admission suggests a reassessment of the situation. He described the period as the most challenging of his career and hinted at regrets over the military junta’s handling of the election outcome.

The Long Road to Recognition

For years, pro-democracy activists and political analysts have called for official recognition of Abiola's mandate. In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari took a major step by posthumously honoring Abiola with Nigeria’s highest title, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), and officially declaring June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day. Babangida, in his book, commended this decision as a long-overdue acknowledgment of Abiola’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution. 

The annulment of the June 12 election is a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history. It exposed deep-seated ethnic and political divisions, underscored the dangers of military interference in governance, and fueled the demand for civilian rule. Abiola’s subsequent arrest and tragic death in detention further solidified his status as a symbol of democracy and resistance against oppression.

Babangida’s recent admission serves as a form of closure to one of Nigeria’s most contentious political sagas. It also reinforces the significance of June 12 as a lasting symbol of democratic struggle and national resilience.

 Historical Reconciliation

Babangida’s acknowledgment of Abiola’s victory, though long overdue, carries immense historical weight. It not only vindicates Abiola’s electoral mandate but also reminds Nigerians of the enduring fight for democracy. As the nation continues to grapple with electoral integrity and democratic consolidation, the lessons from June 12, 1993, remain more relevant than ever.

With this revelation, Babangida has reshaped the discourse surrounding one of Nigeria’s most pivotal elections, proving that truth, no matter how long suppressed, will always find its way to the surface.