For the first time, Nigeria’s former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida, has publicly expressed regret for annulling the results of the 1993 presidential election.
The election was meant to transition Nigeria back to civilian rule after a decade of military governance. However, its cancellation plunged the nation into crisis. June 12, the date of the election, is now observed as Democracy Day in Nigeria.
Babangida, who led the country from 1985 to 1993, was eventually forced to step down. Moshood Abiola, widely believed to have won the election, was later imprisoned, and his wife was assassinated.
During the launch of his autobiography, A Journey in Service, in Abuja, the 83-year-old former leader acknowledged that the election was free and fair. He admitted that his administration, despite devising what he described as a “near-perfect” electoral system, failed to see the process through.
“The nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret,” he told an audience that included high-profile political figures. He also affirmed that Abiola had indeed won the election.
At the time, the military government abruptly halted the vote count, sparking widespread protests and political unrest. For decades, the circumstances surrounding the annulment have been a source of controversy.
This rare admission has reignited discussions rather than providing closure, with many Nigerians still seeking answers about Babangida’s decisions during his rule.
Nigeria eventually returned to democratic governance in 1999 with the election of former military leader Olusegun Obasanjo as president.
