Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Former military president in Nigeria has disclosed why he nullified June 12 election won by by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
Recall on 24 June 1993, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida announced the annulment of the June 12 election widely believed to have been won by MKO Abiola.
The annulment led to protests and political unrest, including the resignation of IBB and a weak interim civilian government.
It later culminated in the continuation of military rule in the country with Sani Abacha ascending to power as the military head of state via a bloodless coup later in the year.
But in an interview with ARISE TV on Friday, Babangida revealed why he nullified the election widely considered to be the best in the history of Nigeria.
when asked about the cancellation, He responded by saying;
“Do you want me to be honest with you?”
When Ngozi, the interviewer, gave a nod, he continued and said:
“If it materialized (If the election had gone through), there would have been a coup d’etat which could have been violent. That’s all I can confirm.
“It didn’t happen, thank God for the Maradonic way we handled you guys in the society.”
IBB added that the election “could have given room for more instability in the country.”
When asked if he was pressured by the military or civilians to cancel the election, IBB said: “Both.”
He said again, “Both, the Military, they can do it because they have the weapons to do it. The other is the society agitation.”
