Former military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has confirmed that the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was the rightful winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Babangida made this assertion in his newly launched autobiography, A Journey in Service, unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
During the book review, conducted by former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the ex-military leader admitted that Abiola, who contested under the Social Democratic Party, met all constitutional requirements to be declared president.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” Babangida stated.
He described the annulment of the election as one of the most challenging moments of his leadership.
Reflecting on the posthumous recognition granted to Abiola by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Babangida expressed his approval. “I am glad that President Buhari acknowledged him as the rightful winner and honored him with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, a title traditionally reserved for presidents.”
