By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
President Bola Tinubu has commended former President General Ibrahim Babangida for his admission that the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election, calling it an act of courage and patriotism.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, and the fundraising for the IBB Presidential Library Project, Tinubu praised the former leader’s contributions to Nigeria’s history and development.
For the first time in 32 years, Babangida publicly acknowledged that Abiola had indeed won the historic election based on collated results.
The annulment of that election was a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic history, triggering political unrest and hastening Babangida’s exit from power.
Tinubu described the admission as a crucial step in setting the record straight, thanking Babangida for his role in shaping the country.
“I am glad about the revelation of June 12. 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 President said.
Babangida, who led Nigeria from August 1985 to August 1993, reflected on the June 12 annulment, calling it the most difficult decision of his life.
He admitted that, given another chance, 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,” he stated.
He took full responsibility for the decision, describing it as an oversight made in the interest of national stability.
Babangida expressed relief that former President Muhammadu Buhari had posthumously honoured Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Nigeria’s highest honour for a president.
At the event, Tinubu highlighted Babangida’s legacy in strengthening Nigeria’s private sector, crediting his policies for opening doors for young politicians and professionals.
“Without you, people like me would not be in politics. I thank you for your progressive revolution. You inspired some of us,” Tinubu said, recalling how Babangida’s policies led to the emergence of Nigeria’s new-generation banks and reshaped the country’s economic landscape.
The President also used the occasion to urge Nigerians to focus on building the country instead of seeking better lives abroad, citing global migration challenges.
“I am glad about what is happening in America and Europe. It is telling us to wake up and make Africa a better place, particularly this country, Nigeria,” he said.
He reassured Nigerians of his commitment to making tough but necessary economic decisions, thanking them for their patience and perseverance.
The event drew an array of political and business leaders, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and General Yakubu Gowon.
Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered the keynote address, while former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma was also in attendance.
The book’s reviewer, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, noted that Babangida’s admission of Abiola’s victory further solidifies the historical truth of the June 12 election.
