The former military leader, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has disclosed that the late Chief Moshood Abiola was the rightful winner of the presidential election held on June 12, 1993.
Naija News reports that IBB made this revelation in his autobiography, titled “A Journey in Service,” which was launched in Abuja on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
During the book review conducted by former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, Babangida stated that MKO Abiola, who ran for the presidency under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), garnered both the highest number of votes and the necessary geographical distribution to assume the presidency.
He characterized the annulment of the June 12 election as the most difficult period of his life.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” he said.
IBB expressed his satisfaction that President Muhammadu Buhari recognized Abiola as the rightful winner of the election and bestowed upon him the esteemed national title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), a title typically reserved for presidents.
Meanwhile, former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has described former military leader, Ibrahim Babangida as one of the charismatic leaders in the country.
Jonathan shared his admiration in Abuja on Thursday during the launch of a book by Babangida titled, ‘A Journey in Service”.
He hailed Babangida over the launch of his memoir and insisted that Nigeria’s history is incomplete without the former military leader’s story.
He said, “So, Ibrahim Bagandiga as we all know, is one of the most charismatic leaders in this country. He is somebody that, up to date, people go as if they are going on a pilgrimage to consult him. We thank God for giving him that grace and the wisdom to continue to mentor people.
“In terms of leadership, Nigerians know you have contributed significantly in terms of the infrastructure development of this country and social mobilisation. We cannot write the history of Nigeria without dedicating a reasonable part to your service as the president of Nigeria, You’ve done well!”
According to him, with the launch of the book, the former head president has contributed immensely to the documentation of the country’s rich history.
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