At the launch of the autobiography A Journey in Service, which featured former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo as the book reviewer, General Babangida revealed that the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election—won by the late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola—was carried out by Abacha-led forces without his consent. This disclosure came to light in his autobiography, launched in Abuja on Thursday.
General Babangida explained that he later discovered that the forces responsible for annulling the election were led by Abacha, who was then the Chief of Defence Staff. He recounted being in Katsina when the Press Secretary to his then deputy, Retired Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe, issued a statement declaring the election annulled, all without his knowledge or authorization.
This revelation has finally settled the debate over who truly won the election, as the Babangida administration had previously declared the election inconclusive and cancelled the results, despite it being widely regarded as one of the most peaceful, free, and fair elections in Nigeria’s history. In the book, General Babangida reflected on the events, stating, “If I had the opportunity to do it again, I would approach things differently,” a quote cited by Osinbajo.
However, while Babangida did not disclose the specific reasons behind the Armed Forces Ruling Council’s decision to annul the election, he assured that all details are contained within the book.