IBB Admits: “MKO Abiola Won June 12 Election” in New Autobiography

In a stunning revelation that reshapes Nigeria’s political history, former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has openly admitted that the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election. This admission is detailed in his newly launched autobiography, A Journey in Service, which was reviewed by Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, at an event in Abuja on Thursday, February 20.

Despite years of speculation and conflicting narratives, Babangida now concedes that a closer examination of the election results leaves no doubt about Abiola’s victory. “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, which are published as an appendix to this book, there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections,” he writes.

The election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s fairest, saw Abiola, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, in a heated contest against Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC). However, before the full results could be announced, Babangida’s military regime ordered the National Electoral Commission (NEC), led by the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, to halt the process—sparking national unrest and a prolonged political crisis.

IBB also reflects on the controversial annulment, admitting that if given another chance, he would have handled the events differently. His acknowledgment aligns with the posthumous recognition of Abiola by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who conferred Nigeria’s highest national honor, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), on the late democracy hero.

This latest admission adds a new dimension to the long-debated June 12 saga, reigniting discussions about justice and Nigeria’s democratic journey.