Thirty-two years after annulling the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, has publicly acknowledged for the first time that the late philanthropist and political figure, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, won the election.

This revelation is contained in Babangida’s newly released autobiography, A Journey in Service: An Autobiography of Ibrahim Babangida, a 420-page book launched in Abuja on Thursday. The event was attended by dignitaries from across the continent and the nation.

In his review of the book, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo highlighted Babangida’s candid admission, noting that the man often referred to as the “evil genius” had finally answered the long-debated question regarding Abiola’s victory.

Babangida writes in the book: “Although I am on record as having stated after the election that Abiola may not have won, upon further reflection and a closer examination of all available facts—particularly the detailed election results published as an appendix to this book—there is no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 election.”

Echoing Babangida’s words, Osinbajo reiterated: “He (IBB) also addresses the question of whether Abiola actually won the June 12 election, and I quote him: ‘Although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won, upon deeper reflection and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results published as an appendix to this book, there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections.’”

The June 12 election was a watershed moment in Nigeria’s history, as it saw citizens from diverse ethnic and regional backgrounds unite to elect a president in what was widely regarded as the country’s freest and fairest election. However, Babangida’s decision to annul the results plunged the nation into crisis, sparking widespread protests and political unrest.

Babangida’s admission marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s political history, as it acknowledges the damage caused by the annulment. However, it also raises fresh questions about the motivations behind his decision at the time and the lasting impact of his rule on Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.