In a shocking revelation, former military head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has finally acknowledged that the late Chief Moshood Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election. This admission comes over three decades after the election, which was infamously annulled by Babangida’s regime.

Babangida made this revelation in his autobiography, “A Journey in Service”, which was launched in Abuja on Thursday. Through the book reviewer and former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, Babangida stated that Abiola secured the majority of votes and the geographical spread required to be declared president. “There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” Babangida said.

The former military ruler described the June 12 election annulment as the most challenging aspect of his life. However, he expressed happiness that President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged Abiola’s victory and honoured him with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) title, Nigeria’s highest national honour.

Babangida’s admission is a significant development in Nigeria’s history, as it confirms what many had long believed: that Abiola won the election fair and square. This revelation is expected to spark renewed discussions about Nigeria’s past and its ongoing struggle for democracy.