On Thursday in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu commended former President Ibrahim Babangida for his recent revelation regarding the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Speaking at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, President Tinubu praised the former military leader for his courage in admitting that late M.K.O. Abiola won the historic election. The event, also a fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library Project, gathered notable figures from Nigeria and abroad, highlighting Babangida’s enduring impact on the country’s political landscape.
During the event, President Tinubu reflected on the historical significance of Babangida’s actions, particularly his confirmation that Abiola had, indeed, won the election, a moment that had been shrouded in controversy for over three decades. “I am glad about the revelation of June 12,” said President Tinubu. “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 June 12 election remains a watershed moment in Nigerian democracy, with its annulment sparking a political crisis that led to Babangida’s eventual exit from power. The President acknowledged that the former leader’s admission of Abiola’s victory was vital for setting the historical record straight. “We have heard the truth from our dear leader, father, and uncle, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida,” he remarked.
Babangida, who served as Nigeria’s leader from 1985 to 1993, admitted that the annulment of the election was one of the most difficult decisions he ever had to make. “Undoubtedly, credible, free, and fair elections were held on June 12, 1993,” he confessed. “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.”
Tinubu took the opportunity to thank Babangida for his leadership and vision, particularly in fostering the growth of the private sector in Nigeria. He noted that without Babangida’s reforms, figures like him might not have been able to pursue careers in politics. “Without you, people like me will not be in politics. I thank you for your progressive revolution,” said Tinubu, reflecting on how Babangida encouraged young, brilliant individuals to participate in politics.
The President also commended the former military leader’s foresight in initiating policies that reshaped Nigeria’s economy. He highlighted Babangida’s role in approving operational licenses for banks and the deregulation of the economy, which paved the way for new-generation banks in the country. “Nigeria has never been the same since then. You have made your marks,” President Tinubu emphasized.
The event was graced by several prominent figures, including former Presidents of Ghana and Sierra Leone, Nana Akufo-Addo and Ernest Bai Koroma, respectively. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo chaired the occasion, while Akufo-Addo delivered the keynote address. In his address, Akufo-Addo praised Babangida’s contributions to the development of democracy in West Africa, acknowledging his role in shaping Nigeria’s political trajectory.
Former Nigerian leaders, including Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, were also in attendance. President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to these dignitaries, acknowledging the sacrifices made to attend the event and recognizing their contributions to Nigeria’s progress.
During his remarks, President Tinubu recalled a pivotal moment from his own political journey when, as a newly elected lawmaker, he challenged Babangida’s decision to postpone the inauguration of lawmakers. “I confronted you, saying that you had an opportunity to make history that day, and you failed to do it. Why not inaugurate us?” Tinubu recalled, adding that Babangida’s response, which included shaking his hand, left a lasting impact on him. “You are courageous. That’s an inspiration that was so impactful in our own lives.”
The occasion also provided a platform for Babangida to reflect on his leadership, admitting the mistakes and missteps that occurred during his time in power. “The nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret,” he stated, acknowledging the disappointment caused by the annulment of the election. Babangida took full responsibility for the decisions made under his watch, emphasizing that all actions were intended to serve the national interest.
The event was further marked by the review of Babangida’s autobiography by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Osinbajo highlighted Babangida’s acknowledgment of Abiola’s victory, noting that Abiola had won a majority vote and secured a wide spread of votes across Nigeria’s states. “In all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive,” Babangida wrote in his book, reflecting on the decisions that led to the annulment.
In addition to the personal reflections of the former leaders, the event also served as a celebration of the contributions of Nigeria’s political elite. Babangida’s autobiography provided a comprehensive account of his time in office, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of his administration. The book’s unveiling was not just a personal milestone for Babangida but a moment to reflect on the trajectory of Nigeria’s political history.
The event concluded with a sense of unity among Nigeria’s political leaders, as they came together to reflect on the past while looking forward to the future. With Babangida’s autobiography as a key document in understanding Nigeria’s political evolution, the launch served as both a historical reflection and a celebration of the country’s ongoing democratic journey.
