June 12 annulment: I regret it, I take responsibility – IBB

• “I’ve paid my debt with my accounts,” says former Commander-in-Chief

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye and Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

Former military president General Ibrahim Babangida has publicly expressed regret for the annulment of Nigeria’s June 12, 1993, presidential election, a decision he described as “most regrettable.”

In his remarks in his newly launched autobiography, *A Journey in Service*, unveiled on Thursday in Abuja, Babangida, popularly called IBB, reflected on his administration and acknowledged the significant impact of the annulment on Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“As the leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch, and June 12 happened under my watch. Mistakes, oversight, and missteps happened in quick succession, but as I state in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive,” he stated, emphasising that the annulment was a mistake that disrupted the nation’s transition to civilian rule.

The June 12 election is widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, with Babangida admitting that Chief Moshood Abiola emerged victorious.

He lamented that despite having designed a credible electoral system, his administration failed to complete the electoral process.

“Undoubtedly, credible, free, and fair elections were held on June 12, 1993. However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process. That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret,” Babangida noted.

The former military president, while acknowledging the controversies surrounding his administration’s decisions, said:

“I have had to contend with this question all the time—when will you tell your side of the story?

“Understandably, our period of service has evoked many questions and stories among the public. This book, which chronicles my experiences, decisions, and challenges, tries to answer some of these questions from my modest perspective,” he said.

Babangida highlighted the sweeping reforms and significant challenges his government faced, particularly in the economy, foreign affairs, defence, and national security.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Babangida acknowledged that his administration’s actions disrupted the nation’s transition to civilian rule but emphasised that the country ultimately overcame the setback.

“Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret. But Nigeria survived, and democracy is still alive, a testament to our regime and commitment to progress,” he concluded.

His comments come amid renewed calls from Abiola’s family for an apology regarding the annulment. Babangida’s reflections also included a discussion on the political turmoil of the time, including threats from military loyalists and the chaotic environment that led to his decision.

Babangida’s autobiography aims to clarify his experiences and decisions during his tenure. IBB, who said he has paid his debts by giving his account in the book, highlighted that while mistakes were made, they were done with the intention of ensuring Nigeria’s survival.

“Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret. But Nigeria survived, and democracy is still alive,” he concluded.