After 32 years since the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has declared that the late business mogul, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, won the election.
Babangida, in his 420-page book, ‘A Journey In Service’, admits that MKO Abiola won the election regarded as the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria.
About the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election
The June 12 presidential election in Nigeria, held in 1993, is a significant event in the country’s political history.
The election was notable for being the first after the military coup of 1983 and was contested between two parties: the Social Democratic Party (SDP), led by Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO), and the National Republican Convention (NRC), represented by Bashir Tofa.
Key Highlights:
Freest and Fairest Election: The June 12 election was widely regarded as the most credible and peaceful election in Nigeria’s history.
Abiola won over eight million votes compared to Tofa’s six million, securing victories in 19 states, while Tofa won in 10 states.
Annulment and Aftermath: Despite the clear victory, the election results were annulled by then-military president Ibrahim Babangida, leading to widespread protests and unrest.
The annulment led to Babangida’s resignation in August 1993 and the establishment of an Interim National Government led by Ernest Shonekan.
The crisis culminated in General Sani Abacha seizing power.
Democracy Day: In recognition of its significance, June 12 was later declared Democracy Day by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, honoring Abiola’s legacy and the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
The events surrounding June 12 remain a reminder of Nigeria’s journey towards democratic governance and continue to influence its political discourse.
Everyone except Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) and Sani Abacha admitted that M.K.O. Abiola won the election.
Babangida annulled the election, and Abacha arrested and detained Abiola.
After peacefully trying to reclaim his mandate for a year, Abiola declared himself “President and Commander-in-Chef of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.