IBB makes u-turn, says Abiola won June 12 election

Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has made a u-turn on his annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, affirming that late Chief MKO Abiola won the poll.

He described the annulment of the election as the most difficult decision of his life.

IBB made this revelation in his autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service,’ unveiled in Abuja on Thursday.

The reviewer of the book, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo quoted Babangida as saying that Abiola, who contested on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, met all constitutional requirements, including securing the majority of votes and the necessary geographical spread, to be declared president.

“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” Babangida was quoted as saying.

The former military ruler expressed delight that former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honoured Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic title, a recognition reserved for Nigerian presidents, saying though the annulment of the election remained a defining moment in his career.