Former military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), has admitted that Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Babangida’s revelation came on Tuesday in Abuja during the launching of his book, A Journey in Service, reviewed by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
According to Babangida, Abiola, who contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), secured both the majority of votes and the required geographical spread to be declared president.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” he said.
However, he described the annulment of the election as one of the most challenging decisions of his life.
Babangida expressed satisfaction that former President Muhammadu Buhari later acknowledged Abiola’s victory by posthumously awarding him the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Nigeria’s highest national honor reserved for Presidents.
