Why I annulled the June 12 1993 election involving MKO Abiola __Babangida explains
Former Nigerian head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, has given reasons why he annulled the June 12, 1993 election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale, M.K.A.
Former Nigerian head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, has given reasons why he annulled the June 12, 1993 election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale, M.K.A.
According to Babangida, there was a possibility of a deadly coup during June 12 election and pressure from both the military and civilians.
Painfully, the annulment led to protests and political unrest across Nigeria, including the resignation of Babangida, giving way for an interim civilian government of Ernest Shonekan on 27 August 1993.
However, it later culminated in the continuation of military rule in the country, with General Sani Abacha ascending power through a bloodless coup later in the year.
While speaking on the development in an interview with Arise TV on Friday, he was asked why he annulled the election, widely considered to be the best in the country’s history and the elder statesman responded, “Do you want me to be honest with you?”
“If it materialized [If the election had gone through], there would have been a coup d’etat which could have been violent. That is all I can confirm,” he continued.
“It didn’t happen, thank God for the Maradonic way we handled you guys in the society.”
He added that the election “could have given room for more instability in the country.”
More so, he was asked further if he was pressured by the military or civilians to annul the election, Babangida said: “Both.”“Both, the Military, they can do it because they have the weapons to do it. The other is the social agitation.”
