By Augustine Akhilomen
Nigerians on social media have criticised General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) for admitting that late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election, 32 years after the event.
In his newly launched autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service,’ unveiled in Abuja, Babangida revealed that the annulment of the election was orchestrated by forces within his administration, led by General Sani Abacha, who was then Chief of Army Staff and later Minister of Defence.
IBB noted that based on the original collated figures from 110 polling booths nationwide, Abiola satisfied the constitutional requirements for victory. He secured 8,128,720 votes against Bashir Tofa’s 5,844,247 votes and achieved the mandatory one-third of votes cast in 28 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Reacting to the development, Nigerians accused IBB of painting lies to the world to hear.
@OdogwuGNR This line seems very difficult to accept, so you waited for Professor Humphrey Nwosu to die before this theatre. IBB seems to have forgotten Prof Humphrey had a team and how s family too. If the idea was to tell your own part of the story, then the truth should not be missing.
@titiobasola Abacha can easily be the fall guy since he’s dead. At least he can’t defend himself now. Most of these opportunists are cowards. I expect at least you take responsibility since the other party is dead. Are these the valiant men we extol in glowing words? Very unfortunate!
@AdewaleTijani2 It’s unbelievable that the results of the election that you annul were suspended without your approval
@official_vy Abacha was a brutal, crude warrior who wouldn’t mind taking anyone his way to clinch power. If MKO had come later after Abacha, he would have ascended presidency. Abacha’s typed hadn’t come the stage after him. IBB almost kept it a secret for life
@AssociateTj So he was a weak military leader then against what we saw him doing at the time. Anyway, God is the judge of all humans deeds
@esogbuna This is a lie. Abacha and Humphrey Nwosu dead. Why didn’t do this when Nwosu was alive to defend himself
@nicxinisaac Blame the dead man. Alaye go and rest abeg. Nigeria is the only place where dictatorship is celebrated with glitz and glamour. Who do like this
@TrevorKofi Haha!!! See lies! How will a NEC chairman dare take such decision without consulting a sitting military General Dictator? Suicidal desires at its best. Old man, please say no more, we weren’t expecting anything true from your lashings
@MotivatorAlani Even at arm’s length to the grave, our so called leaders still demonstrate cowardice! If you claimed to be the head of State. A military govt for that matter with an “Absolute power” and you’re telling us decision was taken without your consent, they how did you get to power
@Crypto9945271 Even at wheelchair, you still lying. Once a crook is always a crook
@Recreate_Urself Still lying at old age
All the people he’s blaming are de@d