Former military head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has confirmed that the late Chief Moshood Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
This was revealed in his autobiography, A Journey in Service, which was launched in Abuja on Thursday.
During the book review, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated that Babangida acknowledged Abiola’s victory.
According to him, Abiola, who contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), secured both the majority of votes and the required geographical spread to emerge as president.
Babangida described the annulment of the election as the most difficult decision of his time in power.
He admitted that there was no doubt in his mind that Abiola met all the necessary requirements to be declared the winner.
He also noted that he was pleased when President Muhammadu Buhari later recognized Abiola’s victory and honoured him with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) title, which is reserved for presidents.
The annulment of the June 12 election remains one of the most controversial events in Nigeria’s political history.
It led to widespread protests and political unrest, with many Nigerians demanding justice for Abiola.
Abiola was later arrested in 1994 after declaring himself president and died in detention in 1998.
