Babangida: I regret annulling June 12 presidential election

Former military Head of State Ibrahim Babangida has accepted full responsibility for the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election in the country.

Babangida said the annulment of the June 12 presidential election was the most regrettable incident in Nigeria’s history.

Babangida said this at the presentation of his autobiography titled, ‘A Journey in Service’, and the inauguration of his presidential library in Abuja on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

He stated: “I have had to contend with this question all the time – when will you tell your side of the story?

“Understandably, our period of service has evoked many questions and stories among the public.

“This book, which chronicles my experiences, decisions, and challenges, tries to answer some of these questions from my modest perspective.”

Babangida highlighted the reforms and challenges his government faced, particularly on the economy, foreign affairs, defence and national security.

He noted that despite the sacrifices and inconveniences endured by Nigerians during his tenure, his administration was committed to leaving the country better than it was.

Babangida acknowledged the significance of the June 12 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest at the time.

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The former Head of State, however, expressed regret that his administration, which had designed the electoral system that produced such a credible process, ultimately failed to complete it.

He said: “Undoubtedly credible, free and fair elections were held on June 12, 1993.

“However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process.

“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret.

“As the leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch, and June 12 happened under my watch.

“Mistakes, oversights, and missteps happened in quick succession, but I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.

“Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret. But Nigeria and democracy is still alive, a testament to commitment.”

The Star